Closing the loop with citramalic acid-based chiral polyester: A novel strategy as a game-changer for sustainable materials

Abstract

Polyesters are widely used in industrial, medical, and commercial applications, but their disposal poses significant sustainability challenges. To address this, we developed a novel series of poly(butylene citramalate- co -butylene succinate) (PBCS) copolymer, representing a paradigm shift in polyester design. PBCS combines high toughness, recyclability, and degradability, meeting the demands of next-generation polymer materials. Key innovations include dynamic hydrogen bonding and strain-induced crystallization, enabling exceptional toughness (760 % elongation at break) and recyclability under mild conditions without the loss of mechanical properties. Its degradability in natural and in vivo environments aligns with green chemistry principles. Benefiting from the improved water resistance provided by hydroxyl groups, its applications expanded to ground film and medical materials. Moreover, the biological studies confirm the biocompatibility and wound healing efficacy of PBCS as an adhesive. Therefore, PBCS achieved complete wound healing with skin and hair follicle regeneration in just 7 days, positioning PBCS as a groundbreaking, sustainable polyester with transformative potential in biomedicine, electronics, and robotics. This breakthrough redefines the future of polyester materials, addressing critical sustainability and performance challenges. A novel bio-sourced R-(−)-citramalic acid-based material, exhibiting soil degradability, separability and recyclability from mixed contaminants, as well as upgradeability to adhesive applications, possesses considerable application prospects in the industrial, medical, and commercial sectors. • R-(−)-Citramalic acid-derived polymers: bio-based, degradable, separable, recyclable for sustainable plastic management. • Versatile sustainable material upgradable to high-performance adhesives for packaging, biomedical, and consumer use. • Advances circular economy by enabling closed-loop cycles and reducing fossil-fuel dependency.