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Polymers

Polymers

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 properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...

Polymers

Polymers

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 properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...

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Updated: May 9, 2026

Electrospinning Fibrous Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Cell Culture

Electrospinning Fibrous Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Cell Culture

Published on: October 21, 2009

Development and Application of Polymer Scaffolds.

¹State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, School of Mechanical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.

|August 28, 2025

Summary

This special issue explores polymer scaffolds for advanced applications. Discover innovations in material development and their uses in various scientific fields.

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Electrospinning Fibrous Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Cell Culture

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Area of Science:

Polymer Science and Engineering
Biomaterials Science
Tissue Engineering

Background:

Polymer scaffolds are crucial for tissue regeneration and drug delivery systems.
Recent advancements focus on developing novel polymer materials with tailored properties.
The special issue highlights interdisciplinary research bridging polymer chemistry and biomedical applications.

Discussion:

Discusses the synthesis and characterization of advanced polymer scaffolds.
Explores the use of polymer scaffolds in regenerative medicine, including bone and cartilage repair.
Examines the role of polymer scaffolds in controlled drug release and therapeutic delivery.

Key Insights:

Innovative polymer scaffold designs enhance cellular integration and tissue formation.
Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers are key for safe and effective biomedical applications.
Structure-property relationships are critical for optimizing scaffold performance.

Outlook:

Future research will focus on smart polymer scaffolds with responsive functionalities.
Integration of nanotechnology and 3D printing will further advance scaffold development.
Clinical translation of polymer scaffolds promises new therapeutic strategies.