The article contains sections titled: 1. Introduction 2. Synthesis and Production of Polyaspartates 3. Analytical Characterization and Detection 3.1. NMR Spectroscopy 3.2. NMR Spectroscopy 3.3. Gel Permeation Chromatography 3.4. Isotachophoresis 3.5. Fluorescence Spectroscopy 3.6. Precipitation Titration 3.7. Polyelectrolyte Titration 4. Toxicological Properties and Environmental Fate 5. Function and Applications 5.1. Functionality 5.1.1. Dispersing Effect 5.1.2. Threshold Effect 5.1.3. Crystal Distortion 5.1.4. Complexing Effect 5.1.5. Corrosion Inhibition 5.2. Applications and Uses of Polyaspartates 5.2.1. Water Treatment 5.2.2. Detergents and Cleaners 5.2.3. Mining and Oil Recovery 5.2.4. Other Uses 6. Polysuccinimide 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Chemical Properties and Analytic Characterization 6.3. Applications and Uses of Polysuccinimide 7. References Polyaspartates are biodegrable polyanions which can substitute the currently used polycarboxylates or polyacrylates as inhibitors of mineral formation and scaling, widely occurring problems in various industrial processes. Polyaspartates can be used in many applications such as detergents and cleaners, water treatment agents, or as agents in mining and oil recovery. Production in commercial scale is possible by polycondensation of enzymatically produced l ‐aspartic acid. However, complete substitution of polycarboxylates, which are mainly non‐biodegradable, would only be possible by using chemical precursors of aspartic acid. Polyaspartates have excellent toxicological properties.