A method of treating infection and/or inflammation in a subject includes steps of providing a polyester biomaterial comprising diol monomers and at least first carboxylate monomers, wherein the first carboxylate monomers are itaconate; and administering the polyester biomaterial to the subject. The polyester biomaterial can be in the form of a biomimetic, and characterized by hydrolytic degradability. The polyester biomaterial may further include second carboxylate monomers. The biomaterial can be poly(itaconate-co-citrate-co-octanediol).