Natural Hydrogels and Bioinks
摘要
Polymers are natural or synthetic materials with a wide range of properties, consisting of repeating structural units that form macromolecular structures. Natural polymers are materials of natural origin that are found in or produced by microorganisms, plants, and animals. In living organisms, natural polymers serve multiple functions. Natural polymers provide structural support for the organism and include macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are essential for life. The types of natural polymers include proteins, polysaccharides, polynucleotides, polyisoprenes, polyesters, and lignin. Natural polymers are easier and more cost-effective to obtain than synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers. Furthermore, due to their origins, these molecules can be biocompatible, biodegradable, and are readily absorbed by the body without any adverse effects.