The Chemistry of Natural Polymers

Dear Colleagues,

The chemistry of natural polymers is a vital branch of organic chemistry that explores the structures, synthesis, and functions of macromolecules derived from living organisms. These biopolymers, produced by plants, microbes, and animals, play essential roles in materials science, medicine, and industrial applications. Historically, natural polymers such as cellulose, silk, rubber, and chitosan have shaped industries, highlighting their significance in sustainable material development. Studying these macromolecules helps uncover novel biomaterials, understand their biological roles, and develop eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers.

This field encompasses the isolation, modification, and characterization of natural polymers, as well as investigations into their biosynthesis and assembly. Researchers employ advanced techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and microscopy to analyze polymer structures and properties. Additionally, synthetic biology and enzymatic engineering enable the production of tailored biopolymers with enhanced functionality. The scope extends to biomedical applications—where natural polymers serve as scaffolds for tissue engineering or drug delivery—and to industrial uses, such as biodegradable plastics and sustainable coatings. Green chemistry and environmentally friendly processing methods are also key focuses, ensuring the sustainable utilization of these renewable resources.

Dr. Jirapornchai Suksaeree
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.