Editorial: Advanced green polymers for medical purpose – trends and challenges in the circular economy

Abstract

Nowadays, a very important impetus for the development of new functional materials is not only their performance but also whether they are environmentally friendly. It caused the development of bioplastics – bio-based and/or biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics – crucial for sustainable development and environmental protection. Their application in medical devices and their packaging, presents new challenges regarding biodegradability and bioconversion, pushing the medical sector towards a more sustainable, circular economy. Green polymers, derived from renewable resources and possessing biodegradable properties, offer an economically viable solution, aiding in waste reduction and promoting sustainable life cycles (Islam et al., 2024; Sikorska et al., 2024).Research into sustainable bioplastics is crucial for advancing materials science and fostering technological innovations, as it drives the development of polymers that are safe for people and the environment. Given the low rates of reuse and recycling of polymer materials and the limited demand for recycled plastics, the European strategy on plastics aims to align EU legislation with circular economy principles, emphasizing the necessary actions for national, regional authorities, and industries to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in material development (Moshood et al., 2022; Musioł et al., 2024).The purpose of the Research Topic was to provide a contemporary overview of the latest developments in the field of advanced, resource-efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable next-generation bioplastics for the closed-loop economy. Papers accepted under this Research Topic addressed interdisciplinary approaches aimed at the development of (bio)degradable and/or renewable polymer materials for sustainable medical industry needs.To enhance the biocompatibility of brain implants and mitigate the damage they cause to surrounding tissue, researchers are exploring flexible materials that better match the mechanical properties of brain tissue, thus reducing friction and inflammation. Innovations in soft robotics, biodegradable materials, and advanced coatings are being developed to create implants that not only adhere more effectively to brain tissue but also integrate seamlessly with the biological environment. (Qi et al., 2023). Darlot et al. conducted a brief biocompatibility assessment of the NeuroSnooper intra-cortical implants, which feature a microelectrode array constructed from a flexible polymer-metal-polymer stack with microwires designed to resemble axons. For implantation, there were integrated into biodegradable needles made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), highlighting their potential integration into neural tissue.While bone grafting procedures are pivotal in enhancing dental implant success and addressing craniofacial defects, challenges such as limited availability of donor tissue, potential for infection, immune responses, and variability in bone integration can complicate outcomes. Additionally, the risk of complications, underscores the importance of selecting appropriate grafting materials and methods tailored to individual patient needs. As advancements continue, ongoing research aims to mitigate these drawbacks while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of bone grafting in dental procedures (Zhao et al., 2021). The development by Feroz et al. of a novel biomimetic dual-layered keratin/hydroxyapatite scaffold using an iterative freeze-drying technique, coupled with an ionic liquid-based green method for keratin extraction, showcases an innovative approach in bone tissue engineering. In vitro studies indicate that these scaffolds possess significant potential, in bone regeneration and repair. This topic has been covered extensively by Xing et al. in Mini Review.The increasing use of human body, presents challenges such as infection risk due to their foreign nature. Research is actively focused on creating antibacte