Biomass-derived and biomass-inspired polymers in pharmaceutical applications

After a general introduction into biopolymers in general and the use of polymers and especially biopolymers in pharmaceutical applications, we present a detailed discussion of the most important biomass-originated ‘natural’ and biomass-derived or biomass-inspired ‘synthetic’ polymers with respect to their use in pharmaceutical and selected medicinal applications. The polymers are categorised according to the chemical nature of their linkage motif rather than their fields of use, since these linkages are the most crucial points with respect to the biodegradation process. Origins, biodegradation pathways and fields of application of the various polymers are systematically described. A critical section on the use of micro- and nanocrystalline natural polymers and fibrils highlights the current issues connected to their increased use as excipients. In the conclusion, an analysis is made in an attempt to highlight some important differences between natural and nature-inspired biodegradable polymers, and to generally identify the emerging trends in the field.