Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in biomedical applications: a comprehensive review of material properties, fabrication methods, and biofunctional potential

Synthetic aliphatic and aromatic polyesters are extensively employed in biomedical contexts. In recent times, copolyesters have garnered increased scholarly interest for their capacity to amalgamate the benefits of both aromatic and aliphatic constituents. Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), commonly used in the agriculture and packaging industry, has recently gained attention for various biomedical applications owing to its biocompatibility, reduced crystallinity, attractive biodegradability, and mechanical properties. Integrating functional nanoparticles and polymers within PBAT further augments its mechanical integrity, bioactivity, and overall utility in applications. Despite its advantages, PBAT remains quite overlooked when stacked against other biodegradable polymers, especially concerning its biocompatibility and bioactivity. Various fabrication approaches, such as electrospinning, solvent casting, and 3D printing, have been used to develop PBAT-based structures. This review seeks to fill this lacuna by examining PBAT’s material characteristics, fabrication methodologies, and their resultant effects on its mechanical, bioactive, and biocompatible properties. It also underscores the biomedical applications of PBAT-based composites and blends. By synthesizing contemporary research, this article aspires to furnish significant insights for the development of efficient PBAT-based solutions within the biomedical arena, thereby laying a foundation for forthcoming advancements.