Perspectives of Natural Biopolymeric Composites in Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery

Natural biopolymeric materials have gained sustained attention in biomedical research due to their intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural resemblance to native biological tissues. However, the direct use of individual natural polymers is often constrained by limited mechanical integrity, rapid degradation, and restricted physicochemical stability. To address these limitations, natural polymeric composites have emerged as a promising class of multifunctional material that combines the biological advantages of natural polymers with the structural reinforcement provided by synthetic polymers. This chapter presents a comprehensive perspective on the structural, physicochemical, and biological attributes of major natural polymers, including polysaccharides and proteins, that are widely employed in biomedical applications. It further discusses advanced fabrication and engineering strategies, highlighting how composite architectures can be tailored to regulate cellular responses, mechanical performance, and controlled therapeutic release. Application of natural biopolymeric components in tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery is critically examined, highlighting their role in mimicking extracellular matrix function and providing bioactive cues essential for tissue regeneration.