Smart biopolymers in commercial practice: a review of applications and challenges
摘要
There is a hallowed place for polymers in science. It is common knowledge that polymers find extensive use in a variety of fields due to their unique and distinguished qualities. The distinctive qualities of smart biopolymers, including their biodegradability, biocompatibility, affordability, and renewability, have drawn the interest of researchers from all over the world. Moreover, these intelligent biopolymers exhibit the distinctive quality of being sensitive to various stimuli, including light, chemical, mechanical stress, magnetic and electrical fields, temperature, and pH. Numerous professionals and academics from a wide range of fields are very interested in biopolymers, a prominent class of functional materials with high-value applications. The basic and applied elements of biopolymers must be understood through interdisciplinary study in order to address a number of intricate issues related to health and wellbeing. Biodegradable materials, particularly those produced from natural resources, have been used to replace synthetic polymers in an effort to lessen the impact on the environment and the reliance on fossil fuels. As a result, numerous natural or biopolymers have been created to meet the needs of expanding usage. These kinds of biopolymers are currently employed in food manufacturing and are expanding their possibilities in the pharmacological and medical industries due to their unique properties. This overview, which emphasizes on the various uses of bio polymers that are in the food industry, medical sector, and other business segments, provides a prognosis for the foreseeable future of the biopolymer business. As demand for sustainable and multifunctional materials grows, numerous natural and smart biopolymers have been developed to meet evolving industrial needs. These advanced biopolymers are already transforming the food industry, offering innovative solutions for packaging, preservation, and texture modification. Their unique properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and responsive functionality are driving rapid adoption in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, enabling targeted drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. This overview highlights the diverse applications of smart biopolymers across food, healthcare, and other commercial sectors, while providing a forward-looking perspective on the emerging opportunities and market potential within the biopolymer industry.