Biomedical Polymers

Polymers are an important class of biomaterials that can be engineered to specifically interact with biological systems for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. The molecular compositions and architectures of polymers can be tuned to enhance desired properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength. Our comprehensive portfolio of natural and synthetic biopolymers includes the following:

Biodegradable Polymers

Biodegradable polymers are a special category of biopolymers that can undergo hydrolytic or enzymatic degradation and result in natural byproducts, such as gases, water, biomass, and inorganic salts. Biodegradable polymers are commonly used in controlled/sustained release drug delivery, tissue engineering and temporary prosthetic implants. We offer fit-for-purpose biodegradable polymers with a range of molecular weights and degradation rates.

Natural Polymers

Natural polymers are polymers from a natural source, with or without chemical modifications. Natural polymers and their derivatives are biodegradable and biocompatible. Their degradation rate is generally inversely proportional to the extent of chemical modification. Our comprehensive natural polymer portfolio covers gelatin, collagen, cellulose, starch, lignin, chitin and chitosan, and various polysaccharides for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Block Copolymers

Block copolymers undergo microphase separation and form ordered morphologies at equilibrium. These morphologies can be micelles, spheres, cylinders, lamellae, or surface patterning. Block copolymers with broader distributions of chain lengths are employed as surfactants/detergents and are useful in sol-gel chemistry and drug delivery applications.

Dendritic Molecules

We offer a diverse selection of dendritic molecules. Dendrimers, dendrons and linear dendritic molecules are a family of synthetic macromolecules containing many branches, and thus a multitude of peripheral groups. They adopt nanometer-scale dimensions, and can be ideal candidates for drug delivery, gene transfection applications.