Course detail

Technology of biopolymers and natural raw materials processing

FCH-MC_BPSAcad. year: 2025/2026

Due to global changes, waste problems accumulating in nature and cities, the occurrence of higher sensitivity and emerging allergies to different products increases the demand for "organic" products in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmacy, medicine and packaging materials. This course responds to this new trend towards the realization of the future with a sustainable economy and environment, but also the health of individuals and society. Biopolymers, their origin, properties and applicability for the preparation of cosmetics as well as the types of packaging of cosmetics will be discussed. The composition, preparation, testing and labelling of individual types of cosmetics will be discussed also. Furthermore, this course will address the possibilities of using biopolymers in medicine and pharmacy. The stability and "bio" degradation of biopolymers and formulations containing them will also be considered. Finally, perspectives for the wider use of biopolymers and natural substances will be summarized.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Adriána Kovalčík, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology (ÚCHPBT)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Written exam.
It is not

Aims

The course aims to provide students with an overview of biopolymers, their structure, properties, technologies of their isolation, and possibilities of use in cosmetics. The first section will focus on the properties and isolations of biopolymers; the second section will focus on cosmetic products containing biopolymers, their composition, preparation techniques, and quality testing. The third section will focus on the characterization, use, and stability of packaging materials for cosmetics based on biopolymers.
The result of this subject will be knowledge from the field of biopolymers, information about their advantages and disadvantages in comparison with conventional polymer or synthetic substances. Furthermore, the knowledge about the production, storage, testing, and labeling of cosmetic products as well as about legislation will be received.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

A. Ausperger, Technologie zpracování plastů, https://publi.cz/books/183/Impresum.html, ISBN 978-80-88058-77-9, distribuce publi.cz; 2016
 (CS)
P. Mokrejš, Aplikace přírodních polymerů, Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, 2008, ISBN 978-80-7318-674-6 (CS)
V. Ducháček, POLYMERY: Výroba, vlastnosti, zpracování, použití, VŠCHT Praha (3. vydání, 2011), ISBN 978-80-7080-788-0 (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NPCP_CHPL Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme NKCP_CHPL Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme NPCP_PCHBT Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Adriána Kovalčík, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to biopolymers (definition of biopolymers, classification of biopolymers, types and chemical structure)
2. Processing of biopolymers and natural substances
3. Properties of plant-derived biopolymers (polysaccharides, natural rubber, lignin)
4. Properties of bacterial biopolymers and polymers derived from animals (polyhydroxyalkanoates, collagen, elastin, chitin, hyaluronic acid)
5. Biomedical application of biopolymers
6. Application of biopolymers in cosmetics and personal care products (description, manufacture, labeling, storage and testing of sterility of skin products
7. Use of biopolymers for the production of cleaning soaps, make-up removers, peeling and transdermal patches
8. Pharmaceutical applications of biopolymers
9. Preparation, characterization and use of various polymer mixtures and composites based on biopolymers for packaging in cosmetics
10. Application of biopolymers in food industry
11. Environmental impact of biopolymers
12. Legislation and restrictions on natural ingredients for cosmetics
13. Future perspectives of natural polymers

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Adriána Kovalčík, Ph.D.

Exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Adriána Kovalčík, Ph.D.