Biodisintegration

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001262",
  "term": "Biodisintegration",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The physical breakdown of a polymer into smaller pieces as a result of biological action, without any change in the chemical structure of the polymer. This process is driven by microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, which mechanically weaken the material, causing it to lose its integrity and fall apart. Biodisintegration is distinct from biodegradation, as the resulting fragments are not necessarily assimilated by microorganisms and may persist in the environment as microplastics.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "disintegration"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 377. 'Terminology for biorelated polymers and applications (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 383 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-10-12-04)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/biodisintegration/"
}