Natural polysaccharides based self-assembled nanoparticles for biomedical applications - A review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Natural polysaccharides are abundant, biodegradable, and biocompatible materials.
• Self-assembly of polysaccharides into nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising strategy for biomedical applications.
• Commonly used polysaccharides include chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, and starch.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail self-assembly modes of natural polysaccharides.
• To summarize polysaccharides used for NP formation.
• To review current applications and achievements of polysaccharide-based NPs.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of self-assembly mechanisms driven by hydrophobic modification, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonds.
• Review of literature on the synthesis and characterization of polysaccharide-based NPs.
• Analysis of applications in drug delivery, tumor treatment, and gene therapy.

Main Results:

• Polysaccharide-based NPs enhance solubility of poorly soluble drugs.
• These NPs improve tissue targeting and enable controlled, sustained drug release.
• Amphiphilic polysaccharides, modified with hydrophobic groups, readily self-assemble into NPs.

Conclusions:

• Natural polysaccharide-based nanoparticles offer significant advantages for biomedical applications.
• They are effective in drug delivery, tumor treatment, antibacterial applications, gene therapy, and insulin delivery.
• Further research into polysaccharide self-assembly will unlock new therapeutic potentials.