Biodegradable Biopolymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications-Challenges and Future Outlook

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Biopolymers are versatile materials for nanoparticle development due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity.
• Biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPn) are categorized as natural (polysaccharide, protein) or synthetic, with growing interest in biomedical fields.
• Applications span tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical imaging, and cancer therapy, driven by unique material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the use of biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPn) in various biomedical applications.
• To explore the potential of biodegradable biopolymers in advanced medical treatments.
• To consolidate information on different types of BPn and their fabrication methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on protein-based (albumin, gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin), polysaccharide-based (chitosan, starch, alginate, dextran), and synthetic (PLA, PVA, PCL) BPn.
• Analysis of various fabrication strategies including emulsification, ionic gelation, nanoprecipitation, and electrospray drying.
• Examination of recent applications and future prospects of BPn in medicine.

Main Results:

• Biopolymeric nanoparticles demonstrate significant promise across a spectrum of biomedical applications.
• Diverse fabrication techniques enable tailored nanoparticle properties for specific medical needs.
• Protein and polysaccharide-based BPn, alongside synthetic options, are actively researched for therapeutic and diagnostic uses.

Conclusions:

• Biopolymeric nanoparticles are highly suitable for tailor-made applications in biomedical engineering.
• Further research into fabrication and clinical translation is essential to overcome challenges.
• BPn represent a promising class of materials for advancing healthcare solutions.