Supramolecular Polymers and Biopolymers—Properties and Applications

Dear Colleagues, 

Supramolecular polymers are defined as “polymeric arrays of monomeric units that are brought together by highly directional and reversible noncovalent interactions, resulting in polymeric properties in solution and bulk”. They constitute a class of innovative materials, which combine some of the conventional polymers' features with extra properties that result from the reversibility of the bonds between monomeric units, such as the degree of polymerization, molecular weight, chain lifetime and its conformation. Supramolecular polymeric systems can be prepared from natural building blocks, and they may be further functionalized in order to increase the targeting and bioactivity of the materials. Due to their auspicious properties, supramolecular polymers and biopolymers have recently found numerous uses in different fields, namely as rheology modifiers, adhesives, adsorbents, coatings, surfactants, stabilizers and cosmetics, as well as in biomedical applications.

In this Special Issue, we aim to cover the most relevant aspects regarding the synthesis, characterisation and properties of supramolecular polymers, obtained through different approaches, including metal-to-ligand coordination, hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions and π–π stacking. Special emphasis will be placed on the applications of supramolecular polymers and biopolymers in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering and self-healing materials.

Dr. Rui Carrilho
Dr. Carlos Serpa
Guest Editors

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