**3. Applications of Biopolymers**

Recent research demonstrates the potential applications of biopolymers as materials for manufacturing medical devices [58]. The most suitable characteristics for suggesting these biomaterials are molecular weight, lubricity, material chemistry, water absorption degradation, shape and structure, solubility [59], hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity [60], erosion mechanism [61], and surface energy [62]. Besides these, other applications of biopolymers, such as those presented in Figure 2, are found in industries such as pharmaceutical preparations with encapsulation; food (edible film packaging and emulsifier) [63]; agriculture, which includes sustainable activities, methods for water recovery, and materials used as soil conditioner; the cosmetics industry (especially hydrogels) [64]; and water treatment substances, biosensors, and even data storage elements [1]. In these industries, polysaccharide-based materials have been developed under different forms such as films, membranes, fibers, hydrogels, food casing [65], sponges, and air gels [66].

**Figure 2.** Applications of biopolymers. **Figure 2.** Applications of biopolymers.

Packaging in the bio-medical industry is a method that allows for the closure of a pharmaceutical product from its fabrication to its end use. In pharmaceutical packaging, biopolymers are used to protect pills, nutraceuticals, drugs, surgical devices, powders, and liquids [63]. Pharmaceutical packaging has an impact on the isolation and ensures the safety, identity, and convenience of using the products. Packaging should be compatible with the patient's condition, be free of adverse effects on his/her health, and be environmentally safe [64]. Packaging in the bio-medical industry is a method that allows for the closure of a pharmaceutical product from its fabrication to its end use. In pharmaceutical packaging, biopolymers are used to protect pills, nutraceuticals, drugs, surgical devices, powders, and liquids [63]. Pharmaceutical packaging has an impact on the isolation and ensures the safety, identity, and convenience of using the products. Packaging should be compatible with the patient's condition, be free of adverse effects on his/her health, and be environmentally safe [64].

polysaccharide-based materials have been developed under different forms such as films,

membranes, fibers, hydrogels, food casing [65], sponges, and air gels [66].

As mentioned above, biopolymers can be also used in the preparation of edible packaging films for food products [65]. These films made from biomaterials can be ingested with the food because they are prepared from polysaccharides and proteins. Edible films have received special attention in the last years because of their alternative potential to replace synthetic materials, which could minimize packaging waste and reduce environmental pollution [66]. As a food packaging material, it can also improve the antimicrobial effect of packaging [67], shelf-life heat resistance, flexibility, mechanical strength, and barrier properties [68]. Edible films/coatings are currently used in a variety of other applications including collagen casings for sausages, chocolate coatings for fruits, and coatings for chocolates and other items [69]. Furthermore, biopolymers are used as emulsifiers and as both thickening and moisture-retaining agents in the food industry with the goal of improving the stability and physicochemical properties of food emulsions [70, 71]. Finally, biopolymers have been extensively used in the delivery of bioactive compounds such as probiotics that are susceptible to degradation during preparation, storage, or under the adverse environmental conditions of the human gut. Similarly, they have been used for applications in the pharmaceutical industries as a delivery agent to improve drug stability and bioavailability. In the following sections, we will discuss the applications of biopoly-As mentioned above, biopolymers can be also used in the preparation of edible packaging films for food products [65]. These films made from biomaterials can be ingested with the food because they are prepared from polysaccharides and proteins. Edible films have received special attention in the last years because of their alternative potential to replace synthetic materials, which could minimize packaging waste and reduce environmental pollution [66]. As a food packaging material, it can also improve the antimicrobial effect of packaging [67], shelf-life heat resistance, flexibility, mechanical strength, and barrier properties [68]. Edible films/coatings are currently used in a variety of other applications including collagen casings for sausages, chocolate coatings for fruits, and coatings for chocolates and other items [69]. Furthermore, biopolymers are used as emulsifiers and as both thickening and moisture-retaining agents in the food industry with the goal of improving the stability and physicochemical properties of food emulsions [70,71]. Finally, biopolymers have been extensively used in the delivery of bioactive compounds such as probiotics that are susceptible to degradation during preparation, storage, or under the adverse environmental conditions of the human gut. Similarly, they have been used for applications in the pharmaceutical industries as a delivery agent to improve drug stability and bioavailability. In the following sections, we will discuss the applications of biopolymers in drugs and probiotics delivery.
