Future-Oriented Biomaterials Based on Natural Polymer Resources: Characteristics, Application Innovations, and Development Trends

Abstract

This review comprehensively explores natural polymer-based materials, focusing on their characteristics, applications, and innovations across different sectors, including medicine, the environment, energy, textiles, and construction. With increasing concern about resource depletion and pollution, biomaterials offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived products. The review highlights polysaccharide-based and protein-based biomaterials, as well as others, such as polyisoprene, rosin, and hyaluronic acid. Emphasis is laid on their compositions and attractive characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. Moreover, the review deeply discusses the ability of natural polymers to form hydrogels, aerogels, films, nanocomposites, etc., enhanced by additives for innovative applications. Future development trends of biomaterials in biomedicine, sustainable materials, environmental biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing are also explored. Their growing potential in these sectors is driven by research advances in emerging technologies such as 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology, and hybrid material innovation, which are proven to enhance the performance, functionality, and scalability of biopolymers. The review suggests several strategies, including improvement in processing techniques and material engineering to overcome limitations associated with biomaterials, thereby reinforcing their suitability and role in a circular and sustainable economy.

Keywords: functional properties; future directions; innovative applications; natural-based materials.

Figure 1

Classification of natural-based materials [7,19,20,21,22] (created in https://BioRender.com).

Figure 2

Chemical structure of cellulose.

Figure 3

Chemical structure of alginate.

Figure 4

Chemical structure of chitin.

Figure 5

Chemical structure of chitosan.

Figure 6

Chemical structure of gellan gum.

Figure 7

Chemical structure of starch.

Figure 8

Chemical structure of dextran.

Figure 9

Chemical structure of pullulan.

Figure 10

Chemical structure of agarose.

Figure 11

Chemical structure of collagen.

Figure 12

Chemical structure of gelatin.

Figure 13

Chemical structure of silk.

Figure 14

Chemical structure of fibrin.

Figure 15

Chemical structure of elastin.

Figure 16

Chemical structure of polyisoprene.

Figure 17

Chemical structure of rosin.

Figure 18

Chemical structure of hyaluronic acid.

Figure 19

Applications of biomaterials in various sectors (created in https://www.canva.com/).

Figure 20

Observed biomaterial trends [218,219,220,221,222,223,224,225] (Created in BioRender. Amponsah, O. (2025) https://BioRender.com).