Greenifying Healthcare

Healing the Earth as we heal ourselves

According to a 2021 review published in Heliyon, substituting traditional plastic with bioplastics can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent. When choosing personal healthcare products, consider those made with bioplastics to benefit your health while contributing to a greener, healthier planet.

The world is becoming increasingly focused on sustainability, which has been made apparent by the development of decarbonization commitments, growing consumer demand for sustainable options, and the tightening of legislation around the use of conventional plastics.

This shift toward eco-friendly living has put a spotlight on bioplastics. These innovative materials are derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, and algae, a stark contrast to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Biomedical applications

The healthcare industry, which is heavily reliant on plastics for a multitude of medical instruments, is undergoing a transformative shift by incorporating bioplastics. From therapeutic device implantation and tissue engineering, to wound dressings and medical packaging, bioplastics provide many opportunities for more eco-friendly healthcare.

Physicochemical properties

Certain bioplastics have physicochemical properties, much like the traditional plastics used for medical use. They are lightweight, durable, and can be molded into various shapes, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of medical equipment.

Biological compatibility

Bioplastics are biocompatible, meaning they’re less likely to cause adverse reactions when in contact with biological tissues. This property is crucial in medical applications where materials must interact in harmony with the human body.

Degradation Properties

Perhaps the most significant advantage of bioplastics in healthcare is their biodegradability. Unlike their petroleum-based counterparts, some bioplastics break down more efficiently in the environment, reducing the long-lasting impact of discarded medical materials on ecosystems.

Challenges and limitations

While the prospects of bioplastics in healthcare are undoubtedly promising, they still come with their own set of obstacles, including:

Cost: Bioplastics tend to be more expensive to produce than traditional plastics, which can pose a financial hurdle for healthcare institutions already grappling with high operational costs.

Limited application: Some medical applications require specialized properties that certain bioplastics may not possess. For instance, the heat resistance of some bioplastics may not be suitable for sterilization processes.

Perception and acceptance: Another challenge lies in consumer attitudes. As research into the reliability, safety, and environmental benefits of bioplastics continues, a perception shift will take time and effort.

The growing acceptance

Despite these challenges, the momentum behind bioplastics in healthcare is undeniable. Recent surveys show that consumers are becoming more accepting of bioplastics, especially once educated on their functions and environmental benefits.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are increasingly adopting bioplastics in various applications, driven by the dual goals of delivering quality healthcare and minimizing their environmental impact.

Embracing an eco-conscious future

The growing acceptance of bioplastics in healthcare signals a positive shift toward a more sustainable future for the industry and our planet. As consumers and healthcare providers embrace this change, bioplastics are poised to play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare is not only effective but also eco-friendly.

Harnessing light energy in medicine with biophotonics

Biophotonics, a multidisciplinary field, integrates photonics, biology, and medicine to revolutionize healthcare. It explores the interaction of light with biological tissues, paving the way for cutting-edge applications.

Biodegradable polymers play a crucial role in tissue engineering. These polymers, derived from renewable sources, provide an eco-friendly solution for tissue regeneration. As they gradually degrade, they can leave behind regenerated, functional tissue.

From bone grafts to cardiovascular implants, the marriage of biophotonics and biodegradable polymers holds immense promise in potentially creating sustainable, innovative solutions for healthcare's most pressing challenges.

Navigating the Bio-Based Plastic Maze

When seeking bio-based alternatives, it's important to consider factors like specific source material, biodegradability, and end-of-life disposal. Look for certifications that validate a product's environmental claims, such as "compostable" or "biodegradable" labels.

Additionally, assessing the product's lifecycle impact, from production to disposal, can guide consumers toward the most sustainable choice. Informed decisions empower consumers to champion eco-conscious living and drive the transition toward a greener world.

Break it down

Remember, just because a material degrades does not mean it's compostable.

Here's a look at how long it takes common materials to degrade. Remember, just because a material degrades does not mean it's compostable:

This article was originally published in the January-February 2024 issue of alive magazine (US edition).