Abstract

Biopolymers are the naturally occurring macromolecular materials that are the components of all living systems. There are three principal categories of biopolymers: proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. Biopolymers are formed through condensation of monomeric units; ie, the corresponding monomers are amino acids, nucleotides, and monosaccharides for proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, respectively. The term biopolymers is also used to describe synthetic polymers prepared from the same or similar monomer units as are the natural molecules. In addition to being necessary for all forms of life, biopolymers, especially enzymes (proteins), have found commercial applications in various analytical techniques. Other naturally occurring biopolymers having significant commercial importance are the cellulose derivatives, eg, cotton and wood, which are complex polysaccharides.