Polysaccharides-based nanofibrils: From tissue engineering to biosensor applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Carbohydrate-based nanofibrils like cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and chitin nanofibrils (ChNFs) are naturally derived, offering hierarchical structures, low cost, biocompatibility, and biofunctionality.
• These nanofibrils form the basis of various biological components and possess exceptional structural topographies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the isolation methods for CNFs and ChNFs.
• To correlate isolation techniques with the resulting physical and chemical properties of these nanofibrils.
• To highlight current biomedical applications and future potential of CNF and ChNF-based constructs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on CNF and ChNF isolation.
• Analysis of research on the physical and chemical properties influenced by isolation methods.
• Synthesis of findings on biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, wound dressing, implants, drug delivery, and biosensors.

Main Results:

• Various exfoliation approaches exist for isolating CNFs and ChNFs while preserving their native structures.
• Isolation methods significantly impact the physical and chemical characteristics of CNFs and ChNFs.
• CNFs and ChNFs demonstrate promising results in diverse biomedical fields, including tissue engineering, wound healing, and biosensing.

Conclusions:

• CNFs and ChNFs exhibit significant potential for broad biomedical applications due to their favorable properties and versatility.
• Further research into toxicity, immunogenicity, and optimization of fabrication processes is needed.
• CNF and ChNF-based materials are poised for widespread future use in advanced biomedical applications.