Biopolymers for Surgical Applications

Abstract

Biopolymers have gained significant attention as a class of polymer materials with a wide range of applications, especially in the medical and pharmaceutical field. Due to particular characteristics, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and functionality, they have become promising candidates for various surgical applications, including as bioadhesives, sealants, wound dressings, sutures, drug carriers, coating materials, etc. Recent research shows that further modification of biopolymers by advanced techniques can improve their functionality i.e., antibacterial activity, cell viability, drug-releasing capability, good wet adhesion performance, and good mechanical properties. This mini review aims to provide a brief report on the type of biopolymers and recent developments regarding their use in various surgical applications.

Advances, Synergy, and Perspectives of Machine Learning and Biobased Polymers for Energy, Fuels, and Biochemicals for a Sustainable Future

“…172 These materials underpin the creation of prosthetics, sutures, and various other medical implements, underscoring their indispensability in healthcare. 173 In conclusion, the critical role of biobased polymers in biochemical production and beyond remains unequivocal. Their beneficial attributes, such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, coincide with the global impetus toward sustainability.…”

“…The biocompatibility and biodegradability of biobased polymers remain paramount for their utilization in medical devices . These materials underpin the creation of prosthetics, sutures, and various other medical implements, underscoring their indispensability in healthcare …”

An Overview on Wood Waste Valorization as Biopolymers and Biocomposites: Definition, Classification, Production, Properties and Applications

“…Specifically, hydrophobic ethyl cellulose delays the initial rapid release of the drug, while hydroxypropyl methylcellulose swells into a gel after contact with the dissolution medium, releasing the drug for an extended period [231]. Biopolymers are also used in the medical field for the production of hydrogels and nanogels, materials suitable for wound healing [203,232,233]. Several hydrogels and biopolymer-based formulations have emerged from the addition of therapeutic and bioactive agents such as antimicrobials, growth factors, antioxidants, antiseptics, etc., that facilitate the skin healing process [203,232,233].…”

Carrageenan-Based Compounds as Wound Healing Materials

“…It should also provide pain relief and a moist wound environment, protection against mechanical, bacterial, infectious, and thermal factors; moreover, it should exhibit debridement activity, non-antigenic and non-toxic properties, high excess exudate absorption, and healing/re-epithelialization capability. One of the most used materials that sum up most of these benefits are biopolymers because they are biodegradable and bioactive, and they promote tissue regeneration and wound healing through cell migration and proliferation [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. “Smart” biomaterials can be used in 4D bioprinting, drug delivery, regenerative medicine, soft electronics, and even for artificial lives and synthetic biology [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”