Recent advances in engineered chitosan-based nanogels for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Chitosan-based nanostructured materials have gained prominence in biomedical fields.
• Chitosan nanogels possess desirable properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability, and stimuli responsiveness.
• These characteristics make them suitable for diverse biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the preparation of chitosan-based nanogels.
• To highlight the applications of engineered chitosan nanogels in biomedical fields.
• To discuss the potential of these nanogels in drug delivery, cell culture, bioimaging, and therapy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of chitosan nanogels using methods like physical gelation, self-assembly, polymerization, ionic gelation, and microemulsion.
• Engineering nanogels for multiple functionalities.
• Characterization of physical and biological properties.

Main Results:

• Successful development of chitosan-based nanogels with enhanced functionalities.
• Demonstration of nanogels' efficacy as drug delivery vehicles.
• Evidence of nanogels' utility in cell culture, bioimaging, and therapy.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based nanogels are versatile and promising for various biomedical applications.
• Engineered nanogels offer significant potential for improving drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes.
• Continued research in preparation and application will further unlock their biomedical value.