| Abstract: | As a part of our continuing interest in the preparation of multifunctional polymeric materials and evaluation of their potential in pharmaceutical, medical and environmental fields, a survey on new polymeric systems of synthetic and semisynthetic origin, susceptible to bioerosion and/or biodegradation attack is presented. In particular, attention has been focused on the design, preparation and characterization of the following classes of hydrophilic and/or water-soluble polymeric materials: hydroxyl-containing poly(ester)s, hydroxyl-containing poly(amide)s, hydrophilic polymers containing carboxylic groups, perhydroxylated oligo- and poly(saccharide)s, oxidized poly(saccharide)s, and hybrid polymeric materials based on blends of carboxyl-containing synthetic polymers and proteins. The rationale of the research activity undertaken over the years is illustrated by focusing on some specific achievements of practical significance. |
