A Versatile Step-Growth Polymerization Route to Functional Polyesters from an Activated Diester Monomer.

This work describes a versatile and efficient condensation polymerization route to aliphatic polyesters by organo-catalyzed (4-dimethylaminopyridine) transesterification reactions between an activated pentafluorophenyl-diester of adipic acid and structurally different diols. By introducing "monofunctional impurity" or "stoichiometric imbalance," this methodology can afford well-defined end-functionalized polyesters with predictable molecular weights and narrow dispersity under mild conditions without any necessity for the removal of the byproducts to accelerate the polymerization reaction, which remains a major challenge in conventional polyester synthesis with non-activated diesters. Wide substrate scope with structurally different monomers and the synthesis of block copolymers by chain extension following either ring-opening polymerization or controlled radical polymerization have been successfully demonstrated. Some of the polyesters synthesized by this newly introduced approach show high thermal stability, crystallinity, and enzymatic degradation in aqueous environments.

A Comprehensive Investigation of the Structural, Thermal, and Biological Properties of Fully Randomized Biomedical Polyesters Synthesized with a Nontoxic Bismuth(III) Catalyst.

Aliphatic polyesters are the most common type of biodegradable synthetic polymer used in many pharmaceutical applications nowadays. This report describes the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactide (L-LA), ε-caprolactone (CL) and glycolide (Gly) in the presence of a simple, inexpensive and convenient PEG200-BiOct3 catalytic system. The chemical structures of the obtained copolymers were characterized by 1H- or 13C-NMR. GPC was used to estimate the average molecular weight of the resulting polyesters, whereas TGA and DSC were employed to determine the thermal properties of polymeric products. The effects of temperature, reaction time, and catalyst content on the polymerization process were investigated. Importantly, the obtained polyesters were not cyto- or genotoxic, which is significant in terms of the potential for medical applications (e.g., for drug delivery systems). As a result of transesterification, the copolymers obtained had a random distribution of comonomer units along the polymer chain. The thermal analysis indicated an amorphous nature of poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLACL) and a low degree of crystallinity of poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolide) (PCLGA, Xc = 15.1%), in accordance with the microstructures with random distributions and short sequences of comonomer units (l = 1.02-2.82). Significant differences in reactivity were observed among comonomers, confirming preferential ring opening of L-LA during the copolymerization process.

Altering Chain Flexibility of Aliphatic Polyesters for Yellow-Green Clusteroluminescence in 38 % Quantum Yield.

Preparation of non-conjugated polymers with long-wavelength emission and high quantum yield (QY) is still a huge challenge. Herein, we report the first example of linear non-conjugated polyester exhibiting yellow-green clusteroluminescence (CL) and a high QY of 38 %. We discovered that the polyester P3 with balanced flexibility and rigidity showed the longest CL wavelength and highest QY. Systematically photophysical characterization unravel the key role of ester cluster in the CL and the cluster formation via the aggregate of ester units was visualized. Moreover, P3 was demonstrated to be a highly selective, quick-responsive (ca. 1.2 min) and sensitive detector (detection limit is 0.78 µM) for irons owing to the fast disassociation of clusters by irons. This work not only gains further mechanistic insight into CL but also provides a new strategy to design high-efficiency and long-wavelength CL, meanwhile, enlightens the glorious application prospect of luminescent polyester.

Environmentally Friendly Polymer Compositions with Natural Amber Acid.

Few scientific reports have suggested the possibility of using natural phenolic acids as functional substances, such as stabilizers for polymeric materials. The replacement of commercial stabilizers in the polymer industry can be beneficial to human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to obtain biodegradable composition of polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) with natural amber (succinic) acid. The materials were subjected to controlled thermooxidation and solar aging. The research methodology included thermal analysis, examination of surface energy, mechanical properties and spectrophotometric analysis of the color change after aging. The samples of aliphatic polyesters containing from 1 to 2 parts by weight of succinic acid were characterized by increased resistance to oxidation (DSC analysis). Natural acid, preferably at a concentration of 1-1.5 parts by weight, acted as a stabilizer in the polymer compositions. On the other hand, materials that had amber acid above 2 parts by weight added were more susceptible to oxidation (DSC). They also showed the lowest aging coefficients (K). The addition of acid at 2.5-4 parts by weight caused a pro-oxidative effect and accelerated aging. By adding amber acid to PLA and PHA, it is possible to design their time in service and their overall lifetime.

Fungal community dynamics during degradation of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) film in two cultivated soils in Japan.

Fungi play an important role in the degradation of biodegradable plastics (BPs) in soil. However, little is known about their dynamics in the soil during the degradation of BPs. We studied the community dynamics of BP-degrading fungi during poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) film degradation in two different types of soils using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The Fluvisol and the Andosol soils degrade embedded PBSA films at high and low speeds, respectively. The number of PBSA emulsion-degrading fungi that increased in the Fluvisol soil was higher than that in the Andosol soil after embedding with PBSA films. We succeeded in detecting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) regions those matched that of the fungi by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) in both soils. Our results suggest that fungal community analyses using PCR-DGGE in combination with BP degraders isolation techniques enables the monitoring of BP films-degrading fungi.

Progress in the Preparation of Functional and (Bio)Degradable Polymers via Living Polymerizations.

This review presents the latest developments in (bio)degradable approaches and functional aliphatic polyesters and polycarbonates prepared by typical ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones and trimethylene carbonates. It also considers several recent innovative synthetic methods including radical ring-opening polymerization (RROP), atom transfer radical polyaddition (ATRPA), and simultaneous chain- and step-growth radical polymerization (SCSRP) that produce aliphatic polyesters. With regard to (bio)degradable approaches, we have summarized several representative cleavable linkages that make it possible to obtain cleavable polymers. In the section on functional aliphatic polyesters, we explore the syntheses of specific functional lactones, which can be performed by ring-opening copolymerization of typical lactone/lactide monomers. Last but not the least, in the recent innovative methods section, three interesting synthetic methodologies, RROP, ATRPA, and SCSRP are discussed in detail with regard to their reaction mechanisms and polymer functionalities.

Molecular Level Structure of Biodegradable Poly(Delta-Valerolactone) Obtained in the Presence of Boric Acid.

In this study, low molecular weight poly(δ-valerolactone) (PVL) was synthesized through bulk-ring openings polymerization of δ-valerolactone with boric acid (B(OH)3) as a catalyst and benzyl alcohol (BnOH) as an initiator. The resulting homopolymer was characterized with the aid of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques to gain further understanding of its molecular structure. The electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectra of poly(δ-valerolactone) showed the presence of two types of homopolyester chains-one terminated by benzyl ester and hydroxyl end groups and one with carboxyl and hydroxyl end groups. Additionally, a small amount of cyclic PVL oligomers was identified. To confirm the structure of PVL oligomers obtained, fragmentation of sodium adducts of individual polyester molecules terminated by various end groups was explored in ESI-MSn by using collision induced dissociation (CID) techniques. The ESI-MSn analyses were conducted both in positive- and negative ion mode. The comparison of the fragmentation spectra obtained with proposed respective theoretical fragmentation pathways allowed the structure of the obtained oligomers to be established at the molecular level. Additionally, using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), it was proven that regardless of the degree of oligomerization, the resulting PVL samples were a mixture of two types of linear PVL oligomers differing in end groups and containing just a small amount of cyclic oligomers that tended to be not visible at higher molar masses.

Characterization of Aliphatic Polyesters Synthesized via Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization in Ionic Liquids.

To evaluate the effects of ionic liquids (ILs) on the microstructural features of aliphatic polyesters for biomedical applications, a series of copolymers were synthesized by lipase ring opening polymerization of rac-lactide (rac-LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL). The chemical structures of resulting polymers were characterized by ¹H- and 13C-NMR and the average molecular weight (Mn) and dispersity index were characterized by gel permeation chromatography. The structure of the copolymers confirms the presence of linear polymer chains with end-functional hydroxyl groups allowing covalent coupling of the therapeutic agents. Chain microstructure of copolymers indicates the presence of both random and block copolymers depending on the synthesis conditions. Moreover, it was found that CL is the most active co-monomer during copolymerization which enhances the polymerizability of rac-LA and allows to obtain higher Mn of the copolymers. The results demonstrate that ILs could be promising solvents in synthesis of aliphatic esters for biomedical applications.

Sugar-based bicyclic monomers for aliphatic polyesters: a comparative appraisal of acetalized alditols and isosorbide.

Three series of polyalkanoates (adipates, suberates and sebacates) were synthesized using as monomers three sugar-based bicyclic diols derived from D-glucose (Glux-diol and isosorbide) and D-mannose (Manx-diol). Polycondensations were conducted in the melt applying similar reaction conditions for all cases. The aim was to compare the three bicyclic diols regarding their suitability to render aliphatic polyesters with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. The ensuing polyesters had molecular weights (Mw) in the 25,000-50,000 g mol-1 range with highest values being attained for Glux-diol. All the polyesters started to decompose above 300 °C and most of them did not display perceivable crystallinity. On the contrary, they had glass transition temperatures much higher than usually found in homologous polyesters made of alkanediols, and showed a stress-strain behavior consistent with their Tg values. Glux-diol was particularly effective in increasing the Tg and to render therefore polyesters with high elastic modulus and considerable mechanical strength.

Design and Biocompatibility of Biodegradable Poly(octamethylene suberate) Nanoparticles to Treat Skin Diseases.

Biodegradable aliphatic polyester formulations as carriers for topical drug delivery show the potential to encapsulate structurally different therapeutic compounds. Poly(octamethylene suberate) (POS) nanoparticles (POS-NPs) were used as a matrix to encapsulate four therapeutic molecules used to treat skin disorders: caffeine (CF), quercetin (QR), hydrocortisone (HC), and adapalene (AD). Hydrophobicity and chemical structure of bioactive compounds (BCs) influenced the physicochemical stability of drug-loaded nanoparticles. The particle size of drug-loaded nanoparticles was between 254.9 nm for the CF-POS-NP and 1291.3 for QR-POS-NP. Particles had a negative charge from -27.6 mV (QR) to -49.2 mV (HC). Drug loading content for all BC-POS-NPs varies between 36.11 ± 1.48% (CF-POS-NP) and 66.66 ± 4.87% (AD-POS-NP), and their entrapment efficiency is relatively high (28.30 ± 1.81% and 99.95 ± 0.04%, respectively). Calorimetric analysis showed the appearance of polymorphism for AD- and HC-loaded systems and the drug's complete solubilisation into all nanoparticle formulations. FTIR and NMR spectra showed apparent drug incorporation into the polymer matrix of NPs. The encapsulation of BCs enhanced the antioxidative effect. The prepared POS nanoparticles' cytotoxicity was studied using two dermal cell lines, keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and fibroblasts (HDFn). The nanoparticle cytotoxic effect was more substantial on HaCaT cell lines. A reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) was successfully used to investigate the penetration of polymeric NPs. Based on permeation and histology studies, HC-POS-NPs and CF-POS-NPs were shown not to be suitable for dermal applications with the explored drug concentrations. AD presents a high permeation rate and no toxic impact on RHE.

1-n-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate: a versatile precatalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide under solvent-free conditions.

The ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and rac-lactide (rac-LA) under solvent-free conditions and using 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate (BMIM-2-CO2) as precatalyst is described. Linear and star-branched polyesters were synthesized by successive use of benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, glycerol and pentaerythritol as initiator alcohols, and the products were fully characterized by (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). BMIM-2-CO2 acts as an N-heterocyclic carbene precursor, resulting from in situ decarboxylation, either by heating under vacuo (method A) or by addition of NaBPh4 (method B). Possible catalytic and deactivation mechanisms are proposed.

A reaction-diffusion framework for hydrolytic degradation of amorphous polymers based on a discrete chain scission model.

Hydrolytic degradation of polymers involves the scission of long chain molecules, leading to molecular weight reduction and mass loss. The precise degradation response however depends on the scission probability of individual bonds along the polymer backbone. In particular, bonds near the chain ends are considered to be more susceptible to hydrolysis than inner bonds. In this paper, we incorporate a discrete chain scission model that can handle arbitrary bond scission probabilities within a continuum reaction-diffusion framework. Overall hydrolysis kinetics (including autocatalysis) is described independently of the chain scission model. By decoupling the description of the chain scission mechanism from kinetics, our framework enables the identification of the chain scission mechanism from molecular weight reduction and mass loss curves commonly reported in experimental degradation studies. We further propose a reduced continuum model which is better suited for large-scale simulations while retaining the predictive capability of the full discrete-continuum model. The model capability is illustrated in representative case studies based on experimental data from the literature for different materials and geometries. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Many models have been proposed to predict the evolution of molecular weight and mass loss in biodegradable polymers undergoing hydrolytic degradation. However, existing models remain limited in their ability to describe the degradation mechanism, autocatalytic kinetics and short chains diffusion simultaneously. Moreover, existing models often rely on empirical relations and a large number of fitting parameters. Here, we propose a conceptually simple discrete-continuum mathematical framework with a small number of parameters which all have a clear physical meaning. Model calibration against experimental data is simplified, and further provides insights into the degradation mechanisms at play, namely random scission, chain-end scission, or a combination of both. The framework can serve as a basis for future generalisations, including a description of evolving crystallinity, or other degradation mechanisms, such as thermal oxidation or photo-degradation.

Structurally stable and surface-textured polylactic acid/copolymer/poly (ε-caprolactone) blend-based electrospun constructs with tunable hydroxyapatite responsiveness.

Functionally-designed nanotextured and copolymer (COP) mediated PLA/PCL (70:30 w/w) blend-based interface-engineered electrospun mats (EMs) based constructs, with phase-specific interactions, have been successfully developed. The thermal stability of constructs remained up to ∼300-350 °C, while the crystallinity reduced to ∼12-23 %, indicating enhanced pliability. The tensile strength increased by ∼75 % without much compromise in the tensile modulus whereas the dynamic relaxation response of the constructs shifted to lower temperatures upon the incorporation of ≥ 2.5 phr (parts per hundred parts of resin) of COP. The zeta potential evaluated from radial surface exposure intensity could be manipulated by controlling the extent of COP content (-60 mV for ∼5 phr COP) which in turn led to the dynamics of site-specific charge neutralization driven attachment of Ca2+ ions (∼13 % for ∼5 phr COP) of the nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA). Such uniformly dispersed, n-HA attached, and surface-decorated (COP ≤ 5 phr) EMs enabled the selective L929 fibroblast cell attachment (∼200 % cell viability for ∼2.5 phr COP). Thus, the approach may prove to augment the biomineralization of Ca and apatite-driven healing kinetics amongst implant-seeking and inflammation-prone sites and thereby, paving a new pathway for controlled and targeted healing of bone, cartilage, dental gums, and other sites demanding n-HA and/or calcium-phosphorus assisted healing mechanism.

The ad hoc chemical design of random PBS-based copolymers influences the activation of cardiac differentiation while altering the HYPPO pathway target genes in hiPSCs.

Cardiac tissue engineering is a cutting-edge technology aiming to replace irreversibly damaged cardiac tissue and restore contractile functionality. However, cardiac tissue engineering porous and perfusable scaffolds to enable oxygen supply in vitro and eventually promote angiogenesis in vivo are still desirable. Two fully-aliphatic random copolymers of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate/Pripol), P(BSBPripol), and poly(butylene/neopentyl glycol succinate), P(BSNS), containing two different subunits, neopentyl glycol and Pripol 1009, were successfully synthesized and then electrospun in tridimentional fibrous mats. The copolymers show different thermal and mechanical behaviours as result of their chemical structure. In particular, copolymerization led to a reduction in crystallinity and consequently PBS stiffness, reaching values of elastic modulus very close to those of soft tissues. Then, to check the biological suitability, human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs) were directly seeded on both PBS-based copolymeric scaffolds. The results confirmed the ability of both the scaffolds to sustain cell viability and to maintain their stemness during cell expansion. Furthermore, gene expression and immunofluorescence analysis showed that P(BSBPripol) scaffold promoted an upregulation of the early cardiac progenitor and later-stage markers with a simultaneously upregulation of HYPPO pathway gene expression, crucial for mechanosensing of cardiac progenitor cells. These results suggest that the correct ad-hoc chemical design and, in turn, the mechanical properties of the matrix, such as substrate stiffness, together with surface porosity, play a critical role in regulating the behaviour of cardiac progenitors, which ultimately offers valuable insights into the development of novel bio-inspired scaffolds for cardiac tissue regeneration.

NOVEL HIGH-STRENGTH POLYESTER COMPOSITE SCAFFOLDS FOR BONE REGENERATION.

Repair of critical sized bone defects, particularly in load-bearing areas, is a major clinical problem that requires surgical intervention and implantation of biological or engineered grafts. For load-bearing sites, it is essential to use engineered grafts that have both sufficient mechanical strength and appropriate pore properties to support bone repair and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, the mechanical properties of such grafts are often compromised due to the creation of pores required to facilitate tissue ingrowth following implantation. To overcome the limitations associated with porous scaffolds and their reduced mechanical strength, we have developed a methodology for creating a solid structure that retains its bulk mechanical properties while also evolving into a porous structure in a biological environment through degradation and erosion. In this study, we utilized polyesters that have been approved by the FDA, including poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), their copolymer PLGA (PLGA, with a ratio of 85:15 and 50:50 of PLA:PGA), and poly(caprolactone) (PCL). These polymers and their ceramic composites with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) were compression molded into solid forms, which exhibited mechanical properties with compressive modulus as high as 2745 ± 364 MPa within the range of human trabecular bone and in the lower range of human cortical bone. The use of fast-degrading PLGA (50:50) and PGA as porogens allowed the formation of pores within the solid structures due to their degradation, and the TCP acts as a buffering agent to neutralize their acidic degradation byproducts. These scaffolds facilitated the growth of new blood vessels and tissue ingrowth in a subcutaneous implantation model. In addition, in a rat critical-sized mandibular bone defects these scaffolds supported bone growth with 70% of new bone volume fraction. Furthermore, the extent of bone regeneration was found to be higher for the scaffolds with bone morphogenic proteins (BMP2), indicating their suitability for bone repair and regeneration.

Polyhydroxybutyrate blends: A solution for biodegradable packaging?

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a valuable bio-based and biodegradable polymer that may substitute common polymers in packaging and biomedical applications provided that the production cost is reduced and some properties improved. Blending PHB with other biodegradable polymers is the most simple and accessible route to reduce costs and to improve properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the preparation, properties and application of the PHB blends with other biodegradable polyesters such as medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), poly(propylene carbonate) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) or polysaccharides and their derivatives. A special attention has been paid to the miscibility of PHB with these polymers and the compatibilizing methods used to improve the dispersion and interface. The changes in the PHB morphology, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties induced by the second polymer have been critically analyzed in view of industrial application. The biodegradability and recyclability strategies of the PHB blends were summarized along with the processing techniques adapted to the intended application. This review provides the tools for a better understanding of the relation between the micro/nanostructure of PHB blends and their properties for the further development of PHB blends as solutions for biodegradable packaging.

Designing suture-proof cell-attachable copolymer-mediated and curcumin- ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex loaded aliphatic polyester-based electrospun antibacterial constructs.

The paper demonstrates curcumin/ß-cyclodextrin-based inclusion complex (IC) loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dip-coated and copolymer-compatibilized polylactic acid (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blend-based electrospun mats (EMs) as antibacterial, and suture-resistant constructs, to overcome the present challenges in developing structurally-stable, biocompatible, pliable, and stand-alone multifunctional-biomedical-devices. The thermal, microstructural, and viscoelastic characterization confirmed the presence of H-bonding interactions between IC and PVA moieties and between IC incorporated PVA matrix with the copolymer-mediated nanotextured PLA/PCL blend-based EMs. IC release and surface PVA erosion induced a decrease in modulus (>4-fold) and strength (>2-fold) of constructs (post-release). Mechanistically new and architectural-framework-defined PVA-gelation induced bi-axially diverted suture-failure (post-release) and resulted in a significant enhancement in suture-retention-strength (>3-fold), energy (>5-fold), and displacement (>2-fold) for ~20 wt% IC-loaded-PVA-coated EM-constructs. The fabricated EM-constructs exhibited improvement in surface-hydrophilicity (contact angle ~45°), surface nano-roughness (~ 600 nm), surface area (~34 m2/g), pore volume (~3.6 × 10-2 cc/g), IC release efficacy (~20 % burst release), antibacterial activity (adherent bacteria <10 %) against E. coli and S. aureus, and L929 fibroblast-cell-viability (~135 %), which varied as a function of IC-content in the PVA matrix. Our study conceptually establishes a novel and efficient technique for designing antibacterial, suture-resistant engineered-EM-constructs with tunable properties for their potential use in wound-dressings, periodontal-membranes, drug-delivery, and regenerative-systems.

One-Pot Terpolymerization of Macrolactones with Limonene Oxide and Phtalic Anhydride to Produce di-Block Semi-Aromatic Polyesters.

The synthesis of novel block copolymers, namely poly(limonene-phthalate)-block-poly(pentadecalactone) and poly(limonene-phthalate)-block-poly(pentadecalactone) is here described. To achieve this synthesis, a bimetallic aluminum based complex (1) was used as catalyst in the combination of two distinct processes: the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of macrolactones such as ω-pentadecalactone (PDL) and ω-6-hexadecenlactone (HDL) and the ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of limonene oxide (LO) and phthalic anhydride (PA). The synthesis of di-block polyesters was performed in a one-pot procedure, where the semi-aromatic polyester block was firstly formed by ROCOP of LO and PA, followed by the polyethylene like portion produced by ROP of macrolactones (PDL or HDL). The obtained di-block semiaromatic polyesters were characterized by NMR and GPC. The structural organization was analyzed through XRD. Thermal properties were evaluated using differential thermal analysis (DSC) and thermogravimetric measurements (TGA) either in air or in nitrogen atmosphere.

Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Biodegradable Composites Containing Closo-Borates as Potential Materials for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has been recognized as a very promising approach for cancer treatment. In the case of osteosarcoma, boron-containing scaffolds can be a powerful tool to combine boron delivery to the tumor cells and the repair of postoperative bone defects. Here we describe the fabrication and characterization of novel biodegradable polymer composites as films and 3D-printed matrices based on aliphatic polyesters containing closo-borates (CB) for BNCT. Different approaches to the fabrication of composites have been applied, and the mechanical properties of these composites, kinetics of their degradation, and the release of closo-borate have been studied. The most complex scaffold was a 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) matrix filled with CB-containing alginate/gelatin hydrogel to enhance biocompatibility. The results obtained allowed us to confirm the high potential of the developed composite materials for application in BNCT and bone tissue regeneration.

Modification of Cellulose Micro- and Nanomaterials to Improve Properties of Aliphatic Polyesters/Cellulose Composites: A Review.

Aliphatic polyesters/cellulose composites have attracted a lot attention due to the perspectives of their application in biomedicine and the production of disposable materials, food packaging, etc. Both aliphatic polyesters and cellulose are biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, which makes them highly promising for the production of "green" composite materials. However, the main challenge in obtaining composites with favorable properties is the poor compatibility of these polymers. Unlike cellulose, which is very hydrophilic, aliphatic polyesters exhibit strong hydrophobic properties. In recent times, the modification of cellulose micro- and nanomaterials is widely considered as a tool to enhance interfacial biocompatibility with aliphatic polyesters and, consequently, improve the properties of composites. This review summarizes the main types and properties of cellulose micro- and nanomaterials as well as aliphatic polyesters used to produce composites with cellulose. In addition, the methods for noncovalent and covalent modification of cellulose materials with small molecules, polymers and nanoparticles have been comprehensively overviewed and discussed. Composite fabrication techniques, as well as the effect of cellulose modification on the mechanical and thermal properties, rate of degradation, and biological compatibility have been also analyzed.