Abstract
In recent years, smart polymers (SPs), which are also referred to as bio-responsive polymers, have gained considerable attention as a unique class of polymers and their applications have been increasing significantly. These so-called smart polymers, either synthetic or biological, have been defined as polymers designed to respond or undergo physical and structural conformational changes/rearrangement in response to slight changes in their surrounding environment. They are categorized as thermo-, pH-, electro- and magneto-responsive polymers. The advances in upstream bio-production stages and the high cost associated with downstream chromatographic techniques have pushed the development of new alternatives. In this context, the use of SPs, in combination with non-chromatographic technologies, represents a useful approach to the development of new downstream operation units. With the key scientific advancements, SPs have become the next generation of the bio-separation tool for eco-friendlier and cost-effective purification. This review describes the different characteristics and classifications of various smart polymers available for use in bio-separation strategy. Focus is also given to the recent advances in SP inclusion in the improvement of alternative non-chromatographic methods in downstream bioprocessings.