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The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
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Modifying Naturally Occurring, Nonmammalian-Sourced Biopolymers for Biomedical Applications.

Bryce D Shirk1, Danielle L Heichel2,3, Lauren E Eccles4

  • 1J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States.

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|September 11, 2024
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Natural biopolymers from non-mammalian sources offer unique properties for healthcare applications. Improved processing and new technologies enhance their potential in biomedical engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Keywords:
biopolymerschemical modificationgenetic engineeringnatural products

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Natural biopolymers have historical medical uses but synthetic materials dominate due to manufacturing control.
  • Renewed interest in natural biopolymers stems from their unique properties, sustainable sourcing, and improved processing.
  • Non-mammalian protein and polysaccharide biopolymers offer diverse functionalities for medical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common natural biopolymers used in healthcare and medicine.
  • To discuss strategies for modifying biopolymer structures and interactions to engineer specific functions.
  • To highlight advancements in processing and sourcing for expanded clinical relevance.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on biopolymers from non-mammalian sources: silk fibroins, alginates, chitosans, chitins, mucins, keratins, and resilins.
  • Discussion of methods to alter structures and interactions for tailored material properties.
  • Emphasis on techniques preserving native biological functions and structural integrity.

Main Results:

  • Natural biopolymers possess unique architectures and properties not fully replicable by synthetics.
  • Strategies exist to enhance innate biopolymer properties and standardize sourcing for clinical use.
  • New technologies enable precise control over secondary and tertiary structures of native biopolymers.

Conclusions:

  • Natural biopolymers, particularly from non-mammalian sources, hold significant, yet untapped, potential in biomedical fields.
  • Advancements in manipulating biopolymer structure and function are paving the way for novel applications.
  • Further development in processing, standardization, and technological manipulation will expand biopolymer utility in advanced manufacturing and tissue engineering.