Natural Biopolymers and Their Applications in Bioengineering

The biopolymers are polymers derived from living organisms rather than petroleum and the use of biopolymers is seen as a way to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and mitigate environmental pollution. They are classified into natural biopolymers (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides) and synthetic biopolymers, which can be non-biodegradable or degradable. Biopolymers offer several advantages such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for various bioengineering applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, biodegradable packaging, biocatalysis, biosensors, wound healing, bioremediation, agriculture, and more. Natural biopolymers such as collagen, fibrin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, starch, cellulose, chitin, and lignin have unique properties that make them ideal for specific applications. Their eco-friendly characteristics, coupled with their ability to interact harmoniously with biological systems, position them as essential building blocks for innovative solutions in various biomedical and biotechnological applications. This chapter highlights the diverse applications of natural biopolymers in bioengineering, and their potential to revolutionize the field with their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility.