Final answer:
Biopolymers are more sustainable than synthetic polymers primarily because they are derived from renewable resources and are often biodegradable, leading to reduced environmental impact. They have a broad range of properties and diverse molecular structures with numerous types of monomers, making them versatile and environmentally friendly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biotech polymers, often referred to as biopolymers, are considered more sustainable than regular, synthetic polymers because biopolymers are typically derived from renewable resources. This means they can be replenished over time, unlike many synthetic polymers which are derived from non-renewable petroleum resources. Furthermore, biopolymers are often biodegradable, which means they can decompose naturally in the environment, reducing pollution and waste accumulation. In contrast, synthetic polymers, like plastics and rubbers, can persist in the environment for hundreds of years and contribute significantly to environmental degradation. While synthetic polymers do have advantages in terms of durability and manufacturing costs, the long-term environmental sustainability favors biopolymers.
In addition, biopolymers can have various structures that allow for a broad range of properties and uses. They play essential roles in nature and everyday life, from biological functions, such as DNA and proteins, to industrial applications, such as biodegradable packaging materials. Unlike synthetic polymers, which usually contain very few different monomers, biopolymers can have complex and diverse molecular structures with numerous types of monomers, such as in natural proteins and enzymes that play crucial roles in biological processes.