Castor Oil-Based Biodegradable Polyesters
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Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Konda Reddy Kunduru1, Arijit Basu1, Moran Haim Zada1
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Abstract:
This Review compiles the synthesis, physical properties, and biomedical applications for the polyesters based on castor oil and ricinoleic acid. Castor oil has been known for its medicinal value since ancient times. It contains ∼90% ricinoleic acid, which enables direct chemical transformation into polyesters without interference of other fatty acids. The presence of ricinoleic acid (hydroxyl containing fatty acid) enables synthesis of various polyester/anhydrides. In addition, castor oil contains a cis-double bond that can be hydrogenated, oxidized, halogenated, and polymerized. Castor oil is obtained pure in large quantities from natural sources; it is safe and biocompatible.
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