Biopolymer Degradation and Structure–Property Relationships in Ageing: A Polymer Science Perspective

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Mona Chaurasiya,

  • Gajendra Prasad,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Botany, L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar, India

Abstract

Ageing, as viewed from the polymer sciences perspective, is perceived as the gradual modification of the structure-property-function interrelationship of biopolymers such as proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids and their molecular aggregates. Such changes include structural organization, mechanical behavior, physicochemical stability and functional effectiveness. Ageing is an inevitable multifactorial polymeric process. Due to the growing aging population globally, more age-associated complications emerge, which are correlated with the molecular degeneration of biopolymeric complexes. An increasing elderly population leads towards higher occurrences of age-associated alterations in biopolymers’ structure, property and function. Ageing is influenced by many factors that includes alterations in biopolymers and their properties. Biopolymers, presently, are the focus of research due to their biodegradability and their effectiveness to replace the non-biopolymeric compounds. Aging involves processes like genomic instability, telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations, deregulation of protein homeostasis, malfunction of macroautophagy, mitochondrial dysfunctions, cellular senescence, exhaustion of stem cells, abnormal intercellular signaling, chronic inflammatory response, and dysbiosis. All these factors can be perceived as instances of macromolecular deterioration similar to those occurring during polymer and composite aging processes. This article provides an overview of biological concepts of aging through the lens of the polymer sciences approach to aging and incorporates the basic principles of polymers and materials science.

Keywords: Ageing; Biopolymers; Structure–Property Relationships; Microstructural Properties; Polymer Degradation

How to cite this article:
Mona Chaurasiya, Gajendra Prasad. Biopolymer Degradation and Structure–Property Relationships in Ageing: A Polymer Science Perspective. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Mona Chaurasiya, Gajendra Prasad. Biopolymer Degradation and Structure–Property Relationships in Ageing: A Polymer Science Perspective. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=243346


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
03
Received 15/04/2026
Accepted 08/05/2026
Published 09/05/2026
Publication Time 24 Days
65

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