Phosphorus and Silicon-Based Macromolecules as Degradable Biomedical Polymers

Synthetic polymers are indispensable in biomedical applications because they can be fabricated with consistent and reproducible properties, facile scalability, and customizable functionality to perform diverse tasks. However, currently available synthetic polymers have limitations, most notably when timely biodegradation is required. Despite there being, in principle, an entire periodic table to choose from, with the obvious exception of silicones, nearly all known synthetic polymers are combinations of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in the main chain. Expanding this to main-group heteroatoms can open the way to novel material properties. Herein the authors report on research to incorporate the chemically versatile and abundant silicon and phosphorus into polymers to induce cleavability into the polymer main chain. Less stable polymers, which degrade in a timely manner in mild biological environments, have considerable potential in biomedical applications. Herein the basic chemistry behind these materials is described and some recent studies into their medical applications are highlighted.

Automated summary

Synthetic polymers are widely used in biomedical applications due to their consistent and reproducible properties, scalability, and customizable functionality. However, current synthetic polymers have limitations, especially in terms of timely biodegradation. By incorporating silicon and phosphorus into polymers, researchers aim to induce cleavability in the polymer main chain, allowing for degradation in mild biological environments. This article discusses the basic chemistry of these materials and highlights recent studies on their medical applications.