Designed Monomers and Polymers

Sustainable Monomer Design and Green Polymerization Strategies for a Circular Economy

The global challenge of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains one of humanity's most critical concerns. Polymer science and macromolecular design sit at the intersection of two goals in particular: good health and well-being (SDG 3) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Progress towards these goals requires safer biomedical materials and more sustainable chemical and material life cycles.

On the health front, advances in biomedical polymers, drug delivery systems, and biocompatible materials support Target 3.4 (reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, measured by indicator 3.4.1, the mortality rate attributable to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease), Target 3.8 (achieving universal health coverage, including access to safe, effective, and affordable essential medicines and health technologies, measured by indicator 3.8.1, coverage of essential health services), Target 3.9 (substantially reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution, measured by indicator 3.9.3, the mortality rate attributable to unintentional poisoning), and Target 3.b (supporting research, development, and access to essential medicines and vaccines for communicable and non-communicable diseases).

On the sustainability front, the design of new monomers and polymeric materials with reduced environmental impact, improved biodegradability, or recyclability supports Target 12.2 (achieving the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, measured by indicator 12.2.2, domestic material consumption), Target 12.4 (achieving the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, measured by indicator 12.4.2, hazardous waste generated per capita), Target 12.5 (substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, measured by indicator 12.5.1, the national recycling rate), and Target 12.6 (encouraging companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle).

This Article Collection welcomes original research and reviews that advance sustainable monomer design, green polymerization strategies, and biomedical polymer applications in support of these targets.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for drug delivery, medical devices, and tissue engineering
• Design and synthesis of monomers and polymers from renewable or sustainable feedstocks
• Green chemistry approaches to polymerization and macromolecular synthesis
• Polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medicine and biomedical applications
• Recyclable and environmentally responsible polymeric materials for industrial applications
• Life cycle assessment and sustainable management of polymeric materials and chemical waste
• Circular economy strategies for sustainable polymer production

We welcome original research articles and short topical reviews, including studies with clear health or sustainability impact.

Keywords: sustainable monomers; green polymerization; circular economy; biomedical polymers; biodegradable materials

This Article Collection, edited by Editor-In-Chief Dr. Munmaya Mishra, is part of Taylor & Francis's SDG Article Collection Series, dedicated to publishing research that addresses global sustainability challenges and accelerates progress toward the SDGs. Articles published within this Collection benefit from enhanced promotional activities across Taylor & Francis platforms, increasing visibility and discoverability for your research.

This Collection supports the following SDGs:

• SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being (Targets 3.4, 3.8, 3.9, 3.b): reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases, achieve universal health coverage, reduce illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution, and support research and access to essential medicines
• SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production (Targets 12.2, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6): promote sustainable management of natural resources, ensure environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste, reduce waste through recycling and reuse, and encourage sustainable corporate reporting

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 1 August 2027.

Please contact Agnes Zhou at Agnes.Zhou@taylorandfrancis.com with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select the appropriate Article Collection from the drop-down menu in the submission system.