Open Access

REVIEW

Green Extraction, Targeted Modification, and Multi-Domain Applications of Natural Polymers

Lei Zeng¹, Wei Wei^1,2, Liu Yang¹, Zhihong Wang^1,*, Qiaoguang Li^2,*

1 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
2 College of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China

* Corresponding Authors: Zhihong Wang. Email: ; Qiaoguang Li. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Polymer Materials: Multifunctional Design and Sustainable Applications)

Journal of Polymer Materials 2026, 43(2), 4 https://doi.org/10.32604/jpm.2026.079607

Received 24 January 2026; Accepted 14 April 2026; Issue published 30 June 2026

Abstract

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.

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Keywords

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