Polymers at the Interface with Biology

Biology in its broadest sense is an important model and inspiration for science and technology. In relation to polymers, biology uses a variety of complex macromolecules to accomplish a myriad of functions in living systems. These biopolymers incorporate many unique features that have inspired the polymer community, including sequence specificity, renewable feedstocks, catalytic activity, self-replication, and specific recognition. Bioinspired synthetic and biologically derived polymers are critical components of many innovative solutions aimed at addressing some of the most pressing problems related to human health and the environment. Challenges and opportunities for the polymer science community at large include both developing synthetic strategies toward such materials as well as studying and developing a fundamental understanding of their interactions with biological systems. Since its inception in 2000, Biomacromolecules has strived to become the leading forum for the dissemination of cutting-edge research at the interface of polymer science and biology. Articles published in Biomacromolecules contain strong elements of innovation in terms of macromolecular design, synthesis, and characterization or in new applications of polymers to biology and medicine.The aims of this Editorial are to review the evolution of research at the interface of polymer science and biology and to present a forward-looking view of this field. We do this by highlighting some areas of research that have been prominently featured in Biomacromolecules over the past years and by presenting some emerging topics that we consider of great relevance and interest to the polymer science community and the readership of Biomacromolecules. This Editorial is partly based on a symposium entitled “Polymers at the Interface with Biology” and an associated “round-table” discussion that took place during the 2017 American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall Meeting in Washington, DC. The participants of this discussion included the Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors of Biomacromolecules as well as a group of 13 invited experts.