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“Polymers” are defined as high-molecular-weight macromolecules consisting of many elementary units – called monomers – joined by a strong chemical bond, the so-called covalent bond, to form long chains.
Depending on their origin, polymers are classified as natural, man-made and synthetic.
Natural polymers are macromolecules spontaneously synthesized by living organisms. A few examples? Proteins such as keratin found in hair and wool, and fibroin in silk; polysaccharides such as cellulose, starch, chitin and hyaluronic acid; nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA.
Artificial polymers, on the other hand, are the result of the chemical modification of natural polymers: this is the case with cellulose acetate and rayon, both derived from the transformation of cellulose.
Finally, synthetic polymers are obtained by chemical synthesis: some of the best-known include polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and nylon.
Natural polymers are classified according to the monomer unit used and the structure of the polymer formed: polynucleotides (chains of nucleotides), polypeptides and proteins (short or long polymers composed of amino acids), polysaccharides (chains of carbohydrates).
Polysaccharides are considered among the most interesting natural polymers for use in industry.
Cellulose is the plant cell wall’s main polymer and the most abundant natural polymer in nature. Its key characteristics include its non-solubility in water and typical crystalline structure.
On the other hand, starch is a high molecular weight polysaccharide found in high amounts in potatoes, in corn, and other grains. Unlike cellulose, this natural polymer is water-soluble.
Chitin, also called polyacetylglucosamine, is found in the carapaces of shrimp, lobsters, crabs and other crustaceans, as well as in fungi, algae and insects. It is insoluble, hard and possesses some flexibility. Chitosan is a more water-soluble derivative of chitin.
Many natural polymers can be extracted directly from renewable sources such as biomass and waste products from agribusiness and food processing. For example, cellulose, starch, soybean derivatives, lignin, and rubber are derived from plant crops; chitin, chitosan, and alginate come from fungi, algae, insects, and crustaceans; casein is a waste product of the dairy industry; wool and silk are derived from livestock production.
Pectin is derived from apples and by-products of fruit juice extraction. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) result from the action of different types of bacteria, by fermentation of sugars.
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