# Ferulic Acid and Polyferulic Acid in Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

## TL;DR

This review explores how ferulic acid and its polymers can be used to create sustainable materials with antioxidant properties and potential applications in biomedicine and packaging.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the synthesis, functionalization, and application of ferulic acid-based polymers.

## Key findings

- Ferulic acid-based polymers show promise in biomedicine, food packaging, and environmental engineering due to their antioxidant and biodegradable properties.
- Enzymatic modifications and grafting approaches are key strategies for functionalizing ferulic acid polymers.
- Current limitations include the need to improve bioavailability and synthetic efficiency of these materials.

## Abstract

Ferulic acid (FA), together with its polymers and derivatives, has been attracting growing attention as a building block for advanced sustainable polymeric materials due to its renewable origin, intrinsic antioxidant activity, and potential for biodegradability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the synthesis and functionalization of FA-based polymers, covering polymerization strategies, enzymatic modifications, and grafting approaches. The physicochemical characteristics of these materials are discussed, with particular emphasis on thermal stability, antioxidant performance, controlled release of active agents, and their impact on the mechanical and barrier properties of polymer matrices. Furthermore, key application domains—including biomedicine, food packaging, and environmental engineering—are examined, highlighting both the advantages and current limitations associated with FA utilization. Finally, perspectives are outlined regarding the necessity for further research to enhance bioavailability, stability, and synthetic efficiency, as well as the potential of FA-derived polymers in the development of next-generation, functional, and environmentally sustainable materials.