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Polysaccharide-based nanocomposites for biomedical applications: a critical review
Hanieh Shokrani1,2, Amirhossein Shokrani3, S Mohammad Sajadi4
1Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, 210037 Nanjing, China. f_seidi@njfu.edu.cn.
Nanoscale Horizons
|July 26, 2022
Summary
Polysaccharides (PSA) are modified into nanocomposites (NPSA) for advanced medical uses. This review covers NPSA applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cancer therapy, while considering potential toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Applications
Background:
- Polysaccharides (PSA) are vital biomaterials but possess poor mechanical properties, necessitating modification.
- Nanocomposite polysaccharides (NPSA) are crucial biomedical platforms lacking comprehensive review.
- Understanding NPSA applications and limitations is essential for advancing medical treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the diverse applications of Nanocomposite Polysaccharides (NPSA) in medicine.
- To categorize NPSA applications into generic and advanced medical realms.
- To discuss the potential and challenges of NPSA in future clinical applications, including toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of NPSA applications.
- Categorization of NPSA uses into drug/gene delivery, antibacterial platforms, hemostasis, and tissue engineering.
- Detailed analysis of NPSA in cancer diagnosis and therapy (radiotherapy, immunotherapy, photothermal therapy), bioimaging, and biosensing.
Main Results:
- NPSA demonstrate broad utility in drug/gene delivery, antibacterial applications, hemostasis, and tissue engineering (skin, bone, nerve, cartilage).
- Significant potential exists for NPSA in cancer diagnosis and therapy, including radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and photothermal therapy.
- NPSA also show promise in bioimaging and biosensing, indicating future development avenues.
Conclusions:
- NPSA offer versatile solutions for various medical challenges, from drug delivery to advanced cancer treatments.
- Further research is needed to optimize NPSA for clinical applications, particularly addressing nanoparticle toxicity and neutralization mechanisms.
- NPSA represent a promising class of biomaterials with substantial potential for future medical innovations.
