From nanotechnology to environmental impact: a comparative study of synthetic and biopolymers- a review

Mohammed Khalid*, Ashok Kumar B S, N S Disha, Mamatha H S, Chaithanya A, Bhargavi S

Department of Pharmaceutics, RL Jalappa College of Pharmacy, SDUAHER, Kolar, Karnataka, India

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Mohammed Khalid, Ashok Kumar B S, N S Disha, Mamatha H S, Chaithanya A, Bhargavi S, 2025. From nanotechnology to environmental impact: a comparative study of synthetic and biopolymers- a review. Journal of medical pharmaceutical and allied sciences, V 14 - I 1, Pages - 6988 – 6995. Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jmpas.V14I1.6816.

ABSTRACT

Synthetic polymers, celebrated for their superior mechanical properties and thermal stability, have become indispensable in fields such as medicine, packaging, and electronics. However, their poor biodegradability presents a major environmental challenge, significantly contributing to the escalating global plastic waste crisis. In contrast, biopolymers, derived from renewable resources, offer distinct advantages such as biodegradability and biocompatibility. These materials are gaining prominence in controlled drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and environmental applications, aligning seamlessly with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable development. Despite these promising features, the extensive application of biopolymers is hindered by several challenges. High production costs, limited scalability, and comparatively weaker mechanical properties restrict their utilization in broader industrial applications. Furthermore, advancements in biopolymer technology have yet to fully bridge the gap between performance and sustainability, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance their properties while maintaining eco-friendliness. To address these limitations, integrating synthetic and biopolymer-based technologies has emerged as a promising strategy. This hybrid approach combines the strengths of both material classes, providing opportunities for innovation while addressing critical sustainability concerns. Such integration has the potential to revolutionize material science, offering solutions that balance performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. This review comprehensively compares synthetic and biopolymers, critically examining their synthesis, properties, applications, and challenges. It highlights their roles in sustainable development and underscores the need for synergistic and creative solutions in material engineering. By focusing on recent advancements and future trends, this paper aims to provide insights into the strategic utilization of polymers to achieve long-term environmental and industrial goals.

Keywords:

Synthetic polymer, Biopolymers, Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, Drug delivery system.

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