Scientomeric Evaluation and Visual Aanalytics of the Scientific Literature Production on Bioplastics

Introduction

Petrochemical-based plastics have become increasingly popular in last few decades due to easy manufacturing, low production cost, better strength to weight ratio, durability and diverse applicability (Narancic et al., 2020). However, the accumulation of conventional plastics is a cause of major environmental concern (Saharan et al., 2012). These have an extremely slow biodegradability, may produce toxins during degradation, increase carbon dioxide emission and over utilization of fossil fuels (Narancic et al., 2020).

In the present scenario of reckless environmental deterioration, there is an enhanced need and demand for alternatives to petrochemically derived plastics. Bioplastics have gathered spotlight in recent years owing to their faster degradability and low toxicity. Bioplastics can be categorized as bio based biodegradable plastics and fossil based biodegradable plastics. Petroleum based biodegradable plastics include polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate etc. However, their use still faces biodegradability issues. Bio based plastics are synthesized from natural resources including cellulose, starch, Poly -Beta- Hydroxyalkanoates, Polyhydroxybutyrate, chitin etc. (Shah et al., 2021). These employ plasticizers along with the aforementioned polymers. Plasticizers including glycerin and sorbitol are organic molecules that reduce brittleness and crystallinity of polymers thus enhancing their durability and toughness upon lowering melting points (Groote et al., 2002). Bioplastics synthesized by fermentation and action of microorganisms on carbohydrates for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and polyhydroxy fatty acids has generated immense research interest at present. Polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB) is one of the major types of polyhydroxyalkanoate. Polylactic acid (PLA) is produced from lactic acid, a natural acid has excellent biocompatibility and processing ability.

Packaging holds the largest segment in application of bioplastic in 2019. There is escalating demand for packaging made from bioplastic to be used in organic food wrapping as well as premium and branded products with specific requirement. Bioplastics can be used in rigid packing included Bio-Pet bottles, flexible packing for perishable products and service packing such as carrier bags (Coppola et al., 2021). The present article is an endeavor to employ bibliometric methods for reviewing bioplastic research since its inception in 1894 till early 2021. A bibliometric analysis of bioplastics research can substantiate the knowledge in this research field, as it allows a reader to obtain a quick overview of the types of publications over time and information regarding the bioplastics development.

Bibliometrics or scientometrics represents a tool to evaluate scientific output of an individual, institution or country employing specific parameters such as quantity, impact factor and citation of published articles during a course of specific time span (Wang et al., 2016). Bibliometrics has witnessed significant developments recently owing to advancements in computers enhanced internet connectivity, availability of databases, algorithms and programs required for bibliometric studies (Zhang and Yuan 2019). In this article, different bibliometric tools have been employed to review the global growth in research interest towards bioplastics. Since, earliest studies available to the latest publications in this area.