Biodegradable Polymers: Advances in Sustainable Biomaterials
摘要
Biodegradable polymers play a significant role in various sectors as a novel biomaterial in sustainable development. These biodegradable polymers have gained industry attention due to their characteristics needed in the biomedical sector. They are also helpful in the pharmaceutical, food and agriculture sectors because of their qualities that extend product shelf life and excellent mechanical strength. Natural polymers like starch, cellulose, chitosan, collagen and gelatin are excellent biodegradable polymers. Poly (lactic acid), poly (glycolic acid), polycaprolactone, and poly (butyl succinate) are synthetic polymers that also play important roles as biodegradable polymers. Developing eco-friendly, biodegradable polymers are feasible by bonding the highly efficient functional nanoparticles with these materials. In addition, novel synthesis and processing approaches can be used to get the required barrier level and mechanical characteristics comparable to the strength and deftness of conventional synthetic polymers. This chapter mainly focuses on biodegradable natural and synthetic polymers as novel biomaterials, their role and their features in the pharmaceutical, food, and agriculture sectors. Finally, it covers future trends of biodegradable materials in managing different diseases.