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Scientific Article details

Title Enzyme-Assisted Circular Additive Manufacturing as an Enabling Technology for a Circular Bioeconomy-A Conceptual Review
ID_Doc 16335
Authors Protte-Freitag, K; Gotzig, S; Rothe, H; Schwarz, O; Silber, N; Miehe, R
Title Enzyme-Assisted Circular Additive Manufacturing as an Enabling Technology for a Circular Bioeconomy-A Conceptual Review
Year 2024
Published Sustainability, 16, 5
DOI 10.3390/su16052167
Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is a decisive element in the sustainable transformation of technologies. And yet its inherent potential has not been fully utilized. In particular, the use of biological materials represents a comparatively new dimension that is still in the early stages of deployment. In order to be considered sustainable and contribute to the circular economy, various challenges need to be overcome. Here, the literature focusing on sustainable, circular approaches is reviewed. It appears that existing processes are not yet capable of being used as circular economy technologies as they are neither able to process residual and waste materials, nor are the produced products easily biodegradable. Enzymatic approaches, however, appear promising. Based on this, a novel concept called enzyme-assisted circular additive manufacturing was developed. Various process combinations using enzymes along the process chain, starting with the preparation of side streams, through the functionalization of biopolymers to the actual printing process and post-processing, are outlined. Future aspects are discussed, stressing the necessity for AM processes to minimize or avoid the use of chemicals such as solvents or binding agents, the need to save energy through lower process temperatures and thereby reduce CO2 consumption, and the necessity for complete biodegradability of the materials used.
Author Keywords circular economy; additive manufacturing; enzyme; waste stream; bioeconomy
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:001183015700001
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/5/2167/pdf?version=1709653203
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