Natural polymers, such as collagen, silk, and cellulose, can be used to fabricate a fiber network in which cells can attach and proliferate. Polymeric synthetic are used for reinforcement and to offer mechanical support.

Polymers are sub-divided into two subcategories based on their origin. Polymers can be synthetic, which are derived from petroleum oil, or natural polymers that are extracted from chemicals found in nature. Natural polymers occur in nature and can be extracted. They are often water-based. Examples of naturally occurring polymers are silk, wool, DNA, cellulose and proteins.

Intrinsically conducting polymers or intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) are organic polymers that conduct electricity over a large part of their thickness, at room temperature and without additional doping. Their electrical conductivity often exceeds that of good metals, but is rarely sufficient to make them useful as conductors.

Thermoplastic polymers can be melted and reformed, they are easily recycled. However, their properties do degrade with each reuse. Thermosetting polymers are much more difficult to recycle.