Biopolymer-Based Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Abstract

Interpenetrating networks (IPNs), the blend of cross-linked polymers, exhibits unique attributes as these networks can retain the properties of constituent polymers and can offer new features of the polymer blend. IPNs are usually fabricated by sequential or simultaneous method and can produce different types like full IPN, semi-IPN. Based on the constituents and pattern of cross-linking, each IPN shows its own characteristic properties. One of the emerging areas in IPN fabrication is the use of biopolymers like polysaccharides, proteins, or oils in the polymer blend. Among the various biopolymers, many polysaccharides like alginate, chitosan, starch, xanthan gum are extensively used for IPN fabrication. Proteins like fibrin, silk fibroin, and gelatin are also used in many interpenetrating networks. These biopolymer-based IPNs are mainly used in biomedical fields in sustained and targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and gene delivery due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Nowadays, cellulose-based IPNs are fabricated to develop cost-effective sustainable alternative to plastics in food packaging industry. The benefits of these biopolymer-based IPNs in various fields, especially biomedical field, can be explored in depth with more detailed investigation in this area of polymer chemistry.