Physicochemical Characterization of Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications: Insights from XPS, DRIFT, and AFM Techniques

Abstract Biodegradable polymers and their diverse applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, have experienced significant advancements in recent decades. The importance of this research is underscored by the potential of biodegradable polymeric biomaterials to transform drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and a wide range of biomedical devices. This progress has been driven by the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions across various sectors, including biomedicine, nanotechnology, the food industry, solar cells, and waste management. Central to this development is understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of biodegradable polymers, particularly their surface and interfacial properties, which profoundly impact their behavior and functionality. This review provides an overview of the physicochemical methods employed to investigate polymer surfaces, highlighting their complex applications and their role in defining the potential uses of newly synthesized polymers. Techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are emphasized explicitly as essential tools for elucidating the intricate structure and properties of biodegradable polymers. A comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical structure, surface morphology, and composition of biodegradable polymers is crucial for designing materials with tailored properties and developing novel materials with specific, desired characteristics.