Biodegradable polyesters for medical and ecological applications

Numerous biodegradable polymers have been developed in the last two decades. In terms of application, biodegradable polymers are classified into three groups: medical, ecological, and dual application, while in terms of origin they are divided into two groups: natural and synthetic. This review article will outline classification, requirements, applications, physical properties, biodegradability, and degradation mechanisms of representative biodegradable polymers that have already been commercialized or are under investigation. Among the biodegradable polymers, recent developments of aliphatic polyesters, especially polylactides and poly(lactic acid)s, will be mainly described in the last part.