Biopolymer conjugation with phytochemicals and applications

Abstract

Abstract Sustainable and intelligent solutions are required to address the issues brought about by anthropogenic activity and the restricted availability of resources. Every nation is attempting to use each product from a natural resource in a necessary way in light of the current rise in environmental awareness. The bio-based biopolymers can be made from bacteria, animals, or plants. Biopolymers are a diverse class of compounds that are either produced by biological systems or synthesized from biological resources. Biopolymers are categorized as biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. Based on origin, they are further classified as being either bio based or fossil fuel based. Recently, biopolymers have gained immense recognition in different areas of biomedical field such as wound healing, burn dressing, tissue engineering, and fungal infection. These biodegradable polymer composites are effective at containing and releasing bioactive medications, such as probiotics, enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. Moreover, medicinal plants, a rich source of phytochemicals have been extensively used for their various therapeutic activities since ancient times and are being steadily providing the basis in modern drug delivery systems. There has been a lot of interest in the detection, separation, and use of dietary phytochemicals that may enhance human health and act as natural pigments, antioxidants, or antimicrobials well-being by preventing chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. However, the delivery of these compounds for enhanced efficacy requires a rational approach. Therefore, the present chapter discuss about various sources of biopolymer, challenges, their construction mechanism, and their conjugation with phytochemicals as well as their applications.