Polymer Aerogels: Preparation and Potential for Biomedical Application

Polymeric aerogels have high added value and application. The potential to use natural polysaccharides, especially those from waste, has contributed to adding economic, social and ecological value. This chapter seeks to put forth the latest findings on the development of polymeric aerogels, drying techniques, properties, and pharmacological applications. The functional properties of polymeric aerogels, such as biodegradability, low toxicity and biocompatibility with cellular media are addressed. In the last decade, several works have reported the production of polymeric aerogels from natural polysaccharides. Chemical modifications and filling of new molecules were studied, improving the physicochemical and functional properties of the aerogels, as well as the drying techniques, were reported, and discarded. The production of polymeric aerogels is considered strategic for the development of sustainable, biodegradable and economically viable products.