TY  - EJOU
AU  - Zeng, Lei 
AU  - Wei,  
AU  - Yang, Liu 
AU  - Wang, Zhihong 
AU  - Li, Qiaoguang 

TI  - Green Extraction, Targeted Modification, and Multi-Domain Applications of Natural Polymers
T2  - Journal of Polymer Materials

PY  - 
VL  - 
IS  - 
SN  - 0976-3449

AB  - Natural polymers (NPs) are widely distributed in plants, animals, and microorganisms. They can be classified into three habitat-based groups, namely terrestrial polymers, marine polymers, and extreme natural polymers. This review summarizes their structural features, environmental adaptation mechanisms, and functional attributes. It also outlines the evolution of extraction technologies from traditional acid–alkali and mechanical methods to modern green solvent systems. The roles of physical modification and chemical derivatization in performance regulation and functional enhancement are examined. Artificial intelligence methods are introduced to support structure–property prediction, formulation design, and process optimization. Molecular dynamics and other computational approaches are also discussed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Overall, as key materials supporting the green transition of industrial production, NPs are becoming a major focus in research on circular chemical resources. With continued advances in process optimization, artificial intelligence technologies and interdisciplinary integration, NPs are expected to replace conventional materials in a wider range of high-value applications scenarios and to achieve further breakthroughs in performance, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
KW  - Natural polymers; bio-based materials; extraction and modification technologies

DO  - 10.32604/jpm.2026.079607