Natural/biodegradable polymers alginate

PH A blends with natural biodegradable polymers such as starch [108], pullulan [109], dextran, amylose and alginate [110], have been reported. Furthermore, blends of bacterially synthesized fully-biodegradable P(3HB)... 

Biodegradable polymers, both synthetic and natural, have gained more attention as carriers because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability and therewith the low impact on the environment. Examples of biodegradable polymers are synthetic polymers, such as polyesters, poly(orfho-esters), polyanhydrides and polyphosphazenes, and natural polymers, like polysaccharides such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid and alginates. 

Polymer nano- or microparticles/microcapsules used in biomedical fields are fabricated from biocompatible biodegradable polymers. The list of these materials includes both natural materials, such as natural polysaccharides (alginate, cellulose, and chitosan as well as their many derivatives, etc.) and synthetic polymers. Natural polymers are attractive for cell immobilization due to their abundance and apparent biocompatibility. Synthetic polymers are used because of the high degree of control over the structure. Unlike natural materials, whose properties can vary from batch to batch, synthetic polymers provide highly consistent starting materials for any encapsulation technique. 

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