Polymers· 2025Q1· Review
Advanced Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers: A Review of Functionalization, Smart Systems, and Sustainable Applications
- 118citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2025year
Short summary
This review details biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, categorizing them by origin (natural/synthetic), detailing their structure, biodegradation mechanisms, and compatibility for biomedical, packaging, and environmental uses.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers are essential for reducing environmental pollution and offer advantages in resource conservation and eco-friendly production.
- Polymers are classified into natural and synthetic categories, with detailed discussion on their structural characteristics and biodegradation mechanisms.
- Recent advancements include polymer functionalization, stimulus-responsive properties, and bio-based synthesis methods.
- Key challenges remain in mechanical properties, degradation control, and cost-effectiveness.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
The growing dependence on plastics is driving a sharp increase in environmental pollution, posing serious risks to human health. This issue necessitates immediate attention and proactive measures to mitigate its impact on both individuals and the broader ecosystem. From this viewpoint, biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, both synthetic and natural, have emerged as vital materials for applications in biomedicine, packaging, and environmental sustainability. The main advantages of biodegradable polymer materials lie in conserving fossil fuel resources, utilizing inedible biomass, and enabling environmentally friendly production processes. In this context, this review thoroughly discusses the categorization of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers into natural and synthetic types, detailing their structural characteristics, mechanisms of biodegradation, and compatibility matrices appropriate for biomedical, environmental, and industrial uses. It also addresses recent advancements in polymer synthesis technology, highlighting significant progress in polymer functionalization, responsiveness to stimuli, and environmentally friendly biobased synthesis methods. Additionally, it identifies challenges such as mechanical constraints, control over degradation, and expense, while also discussing future opportunities in the field of polymer science.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Polymers, 2025 · DOI ↗
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Field: Biomaterials
BiomaterialsMaterials Science