ABSTRACT Polyols are multifunctional alcohols, with branched structures, where each arm terminates with an –OH group. These free –OH groups have been utilised to make a variety of polymer structures ranging from cross-linked to linear to starshaped. This review presents a comprehensive account of polyol-based polymers in biomedical applications. The advantages afforded by polyolbased biodegradable polymers are detailed in this review, alongside a general historical perspective on the development of biodegradable polymers. The major advantage of these polyols is that they are endogenous to the human body. Synthesis strategies and fabrication techniques to mould these materials into three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are discussed. Modifications to the conventionally used polyol-based polyesters have been achieved by chemically incorporating drugs/ bioactives or by preparing nanocomposites. This review discusses the physicochemical properties and biological responses of these polymers relevant in biomedical applications and further outlines the need for improving their processability and performance.

中文翻译：

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用于生物医学应用的可生物降解多元醇聚合物

摘要 多元醇是多官能醇，具有支链结构，其中每个臂以 -OH 基团终止。这些游离的 -OH 基团已被用于制造各种聚合物结构，从交联到线性再到星形。本综述全面介绍了生物医学应用中的多元醇聚合物。本综述详细介绍了基于多元醇的可生物降解聚合物的优势，同时对可生物降解聚合物的发展进行了总体历史展望。这些多元醇的主要优点是它们是人体内源性的。讨论了将这些材料成型为三维 (3D) 支架的合成策略和制造技术。通过化学结合药物/生物活性物质或通过制备纳米复合材料，已经实现了对传统使用的基于多元醇的聚酯的改性。本综述讨论了与生物医学应用相关的这些聚合物的物理化学性质和生物反应，并进一步概述了提高其加工性能和性能的必要性。