Editorial: Advances in Natural Macromolecules in Chemistry and Materials Engineering

Qingxin Han^1*Xiaoyu Guan¹Motoki Ueda²

• ¹Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
• ²Tokyo Toritsu Daigaku, Hachioji, Japan

1-1 Hachioji,Japan. Natural macromolecules are at the heart of modern materials innovation. Their structural diversity, biocompatibility, and renewability make them ideal candidates for developing functional materials that align with the goals of green chemistry and sustainable engineering. However, turning these complex biomolecules into reproducible, high-performance materials requires a deep integration of chemistry, structure design, and process control. This special issue, Advances in Natural Macromolecules: Chemistry and Materials Engineering, highlights how rational chemical design and structural engineering can together generate sustainable, functional, and high-performance materials derived from nature. The convergence of chemistry and materials engineering reflects a shift in how biopolymers are understood. They are no longer viewed merely as renewable substitutes but as programmable molecular systems with precise and multifunctional capabilities. Future progress will rely on establishing predictive relationships between molecular structure and performance, on developing standardized evaluation methods for mechanical and degradation properties, and on integrating life-cycle assessment into material design. The studies presented in this collection show that advancement in biomacromolecules materials depends on the close interaction of chemical innovation, structural insight, and engineering practice, enabling natural molecules to evolve into advanced materials that support a sustainable and low-carbon future.