Macromolecular Materials and Their Applications: From Biomimetic Polymers to Affinity Materials

ABSTRACT

The versatility and fundamental importance of macromolecular materials make them key contributors to progress and innovation in science, medicine, and technology. This review provides an overview of developments in polymer materials inspired by biological systems and designed for selective interactions, drawing on the work of Denizli and colleagues. It surveys a variety of both synthetic and natural macromolecular materials, such as cryogels, macroparticles, microparticles, and bacterial cellulose, and discusses their unique properties and potential uses. The article highlights progress in designing polymers with biomimetic and affinity‐based characteristics, with particular attention to molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in different physical forms. Recent innovations in the structural design and functional capabilities of these materials are explored, reflecting their growing importance across scientific research and practical applications in technology and industry.