Polymers for Controlling Naturally Occurring Biological Hazards, Pharmaceuticals, and Industrial Contaminants
摘要
Polymers have attracted considerable interest as adaptable materials for managing naturally occurring biological threats and pharmaceutical and industrial pollutants. The distinctive characteristics of these materials, including adjustable surface chemistry, compatibility with biological systems, and straightforward functionalization, make them excellent options for different applications focused on addressing environmental and health challenges. Polymers can be designed to capture and neutralize pathogens, allergens, and toxins effectively through selective binding and immobilization. Polymers play an important role in pharmaceutical contamination by decreasing off-target effects and controlling drug release through the drug delivery system. Polymer-based materials are also used in industrial applications to absorb or degrade hazards and pollutants, offering an affordable and economically friendly way to remediate the environment. This chapter reviews recent advancements in polymer science, focusing on their roles in environmental protection, biomedicine, and industrial waste management, highlighting emerging technologies that optimize polymer function for contamination control.