Biodegradable polymers are used in packaging, agriculture, medicine, and other fields. Recent interest in biodegradable polymers has increased due to environmental concerns and the need for sustainable materials. These polymers are divided into synthetic and natural categories. Synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum resources, while natural ones come from renewable sources. Natural polymers generally have fewer advantages than synthetic ones. This review discusses various biodegradable polymers, their properties, and recent developments in their synthesis and applications. Biodegradation occurs through enzymatic or chemical processes, involving polymer fragmentation and microbial assimilation. Factors such as polymer origin, chemical structure, and environmental conditions influence biodegradability. Synthetic biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and poly(anhydrides), while natural ones include polysaccharides, proteins, and chitin. Each polymer has unique properties and applications, such as PLA for medical devices, PCL for compatibilizers, and PBS for packaging. Biodegradable polymers derived from petroleum resources include polyesters like PLA, PCL, and PBS, which have varying degradation rates and mechanical properties. Synthetic polymers with hydrolysable backbones, such as polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes, are used in medical and industrial applications. Polyanhydrides, with hydrolysable anhydride groups, are also biodegradable. Biodegradable polymers from renewable resources include natural polymers like proteins, polysaccharides, and chitin. These materials are used in biomedical applications, packaging, and other fields. Starch, cellulose, and chitosan are examples of renewable biopolymers with unique properties. Chemical modifications enhance their mechanical and biodegradable properties. Bacterial polymers, such as PHAs, are produced by microorganisms and have potential applications in biodegradable materials. Semi-synthetic polymers are derived from fermentation processes, while microbial polymers are produced by microorganisms under specific conditions. These materials are used in various applications, including packaging and medical devices. Overall, biodegradable polymers offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, with ongoing research to improve their properties and applications.Biodegradable polymers are used in packaging, agriculture, medicine, and other fields. Recent interest in biodegradable polymers has increased due to environmental concerns and the need for sustainable materials. These polymers are divided into synthetic and natural categories. Synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum resources, while natural ones come from renewable sources. Natural polymers generally have fewer advantages than synthetic ones. This review discusses various biodegradable polymers, their properties, and recent developments in their synthesis and applications. Biodegradation occurs through enzymatic or chemical processes, involving polymer fragmentation and microbial assimilation. Factors such as polymer origin, chemical structure, and environmental conditions influence biodegradability. Synthetic biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and poly(anhydrides), while natural ones include polysaccharides, proteins, and chitin. Each polymer has unique properties and applications, such as PLA for medical devices, PCL for compatibilizers, and PBS for packaging. Biodegradable polymers derived from petroleum resources include polyesters like PLA, PCL, and PBS, which have varying degradation rates and mechanical properties. Synthetic polymers with hydrolysable backbones, such as polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes, are used in medical and industrial applications. Polyanhydrides, with hydrolysable anhydride groups, are also biodegradable. Biodegradable polymers from renewable resources include natural polymers like proteins, polysaccharides, and chitin. These materials are used in biomedical applications, packaging, and other fields. Starch, cellulose, and chitosan are examples of renewable biopolymers with unique properties. Chemical modifications enhance their mechanical and biodegradable properties. Bacterial polymers, such as PHAs, are produced by microorganisms and have potential applications in biodegradable materials. Semi-synthetic polymers are derived from fermentation processes, while microbial polymers are produced by microorganisms under specific conditions. These materials are used in various applications, including packaging and medical devices. Overall, biodegradable polymers offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, with ongoing research to improve their properties and applications.