phytopolymer

Phytopolymer refers to a natural polymer derived from plants or produced by plant biosynthesis. These polymers occur in plant tissues and play structural or storage roles. Common phytopolymers include cellulose, the principal structural polysaccharide of plant cell walls; starch, an energy reserve; pectin and other hemicelluloses; lignin, a complex aromatic polymer that strengthens secondary cell walls; suberin and cutin, waxy protective polymers in surfaces; and various plant gums and biopolymers such as galactomannans and arabinogalactans.

Properties of phytopolymers vary widely. Many are biodegradable and biocompatible, but their mechanical and barrier properties depend on composition, molecular weight, and moisture content. They are typically hydrophilic and can be crystalline or amorphous. Processing challenges include moisture sensitivity and incompatibility with nonpolar polymers, though chemical modification or blending with other materials can tailor performance. Advances include production of nanocellulose, a high‑aspect‑ratio form of cellulose used to reinforce composites and create edible or biodegradable films.

Production and processing methods involve extraction and purification from plant biomass, followed by conversion into usable forms. Plant polymers may be used in native form (for example starch films) or chemically modified (for example esterified starch, pectin gels) to achieve desired rheology, strength, or barrier properties.

Applications span sustainable packaging, edible coatings, agricultural films, coatings and binders, hydrogels for wound care or drug delivery, and components in composites. The term phytopolymer is not uniformly standardized; it is used to denote plant-derived polymers or biopolymers, in contrast to petrochemical plastics.