The role of biopolymers as therapeutic agents: A review

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in using biopolymer materials as natural possibilities for various biological applications. The current trend is a significant indication that it focuses on the theme of “green chemistry” or “green world,” namely, a sustainable environment that is achieved by using materials and processes that are biocompatible, biodegradable, renewable, inexpensive, and efficient. The benefits of biopolymers in the biomedical field have been thoroughly demonstrated. Biopolymers (carbohydrates, proteins, polyesters, and polyphenols) and their biocomposites have attracted much attention in the biomedical sector (including wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensors) due to their unique features. Biopolymers and their biological functions can be used to reduce the use of synthetic polymers. This brief review provides an update on recent research on the use of biopolymers and their types in the biomedical field, as demonstrated by several in vitro and in vivo experiments. Our efforts include a review of the practicality and biological potential of biopolymer materials as an important technique for more promising future therapeutic materials.