The Preparation and Biomedical Application of Biopolyesters

Biopolyesters represent a large family that can be obtained by polymerization of variable bio-derived hydroxyalkanoic acids. The monomer composition, molecular weight of the biopolyesters can affect the properties and applications of the polyesters. The majority of biopolyesters can either be biosynthesized from natural biofeedstocks or semi-synthesized (biopreparation of monomers followed by the chemical polymerization of the monomers). With the fast development of synthetic biology and biosynthesis techniques, the biosynthesis of unnatural biopolyesters (like lactate containing and aromatic biopolyesters) with improved performance and function has been a tendency. The presence of novel preparation methods, novel monomer composition has also significantly affected the properties, functions and applications of the biopolyesters. Due to the properties of biodegradability and biocompatibility, biopolyesters have great potential in biomedical applications (as implanting or covering biomaterials, drug carriers). Moreover, biopolyesters can be fused with other functional ingredients to achieve novel applications or improved functions. This study summarizes and compares the updated preparation methods of representative biopolyesters, also introduces the current status and future trends of their applications in biomedical fields.