Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications: Performance and Lifecycle Assessment

Abstract

The growing environmental burden of persistent synthetic polymers and the increasing demand for biocompatible materials have accelerated research into advanced biodegradable polymers for biomedical and environmental applications. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of biodegradable polymer systems with emphasis on structure–property relationships, functional performance, and lifecycle sustainability. Both natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers are examined for applications ranging from drug delivery systems and tissue scaffolds to biodegradable packaging and environmental remediation materials. Material performance is analyzed in terms of mechanical strength, degradation kinetics, biocompatibility, and functional stability under application-specific conditions. Furthermore, lifecycle assessment is employed to evaluate the environmental footprint associated with polymer synthesis, processing, use, and end-of-life degradation. The analysis reveals that advanced polymer engineering strategies, including copolymerization, blending, and surface modification, significantly enhance functional performance while maintaining biodegradability. However, trade-offs between material durability and degradation rate remain a critical challenge. The study underscores the importance of integrating performance optimization with environmental assessment to guide the development of next-generation biodegradable polymers that meet both biomedical safety standards and sustainability objectives.