Closing the Loop with Citramalic Acid-Based Chiral Polyester: A Novel Strategy as a Game-Changer for Sustainable Materials

The study introduces a novel series of poly(butylene citramalate-co-butylene succinate) (PBCS) copolymers, which represent a significant advancement in sustainable polyester design. PBCS exhibits high toughness, recyclability, and degradability, with innovations such as dynamic hydrogen bonding and strain-induced crystallization contributing to its exceptional mechanical properties. It is biocompatible and effective in wound healing, achieving complete skin and hair follicle regeneration in 7 days. The material is bio-sourced from R-(−)-citramalic acid, offering soil degradability, separability, and recyclability, making it suitable for industrial, medical, and commercial applications. This development supports a circular economy by reducing fossil-fuel dependency and enhancing sustainable plastic management.