Chemical modification of polysaccharides for sustainable bioplastics

Sustainable bioplastics have received tremendous interest due to concerns over resource shortages and environmental challenges. Polysaccharide materials, characterized by their abundant availability and excellent mechanical properties, emerge as prime candidates for sustainable bioplastics. However, the high crystallinity and the robust hydrogen bonding networks of polysaccharides profoundly impede their processing and utilization. In this regard, chemical modification serves as a powerful strategy capable of disrupting these stubborn structures, thus improving the molecular chain processability. This review explores the profound implications of chemical modification on the structural reformation of polysaccharide networks. It also offers a comprehensive examination of the strategic approach to implementing structural design and processing methods for polysaccharide-based bioplastics, spanning the entire continuum from feedstocks to products.