Natural polymers are polymers that occur naturally in nature and can be extracted. They are formed by either addition polymerization or condensation polymerization. Examples of natural polymers include:
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Proteins: Protein is a natural polymer formed from molecules called amino acids. It is the main component of skin, organs, muscles, hair, and fingernails.
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Cellulose: Cellulose is a natural polymer that is a main structural component of plants. It is also used to produce synthetic fibers in rayon.
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Rubber: Natural rubber is a natural polymer that is made of hydrogen and carbon. It is harvested from trees in Central and South America and has been used for hundreds of years.
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DNA and RNA: DNA and RNA are natural polymers that are important in genes and life processes. Messenger RNA makes possible proteins, peptides, and enzymes, while enzymes help do the chemistry inside living organisms.
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Chitin: Chitin is a natural polymer that is chemically poly(N-acetylglucosamine) and is found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans.
Natural polymers have been widely used in a variety of biomedical applications such as pharmaceuticals, tissue regeneration scaffolds, drug delivery agents, and more.
