Chitosan-based nanosensors in biomedical applications: A review

The advancements of nanofabrication techniques, alongside the recent progress in surface activation of nanomaterials have broadened the utilization of nanomaterials in several biomedical fields. Contemporary nanoscience has switched toward a more practice-oriented approach through the incorporation of functional materials. In particular, the emergence of nanosensors have reduced the over-reliance on laboratory-based diagnosis and facilitated real time data analysis. The portable nature, higher selectivity and sensitivity have contributed toward the clinical acceptance of nanosensors. The direct introduction of metallic probes, or conductive nanosensors may trigger immune responses, or cause toxicity and tissue irritation. This highlights the need of biocompatible, non-immunogenic and easily fabricable biomaterials that can be integrated in nanosensing devices to impart the desired safety features. Being naturally occurring biodegradable and biocompatible polysaccharide, chitosan (CS) is favoured in the field of drug delivery as well as sensory applications. The presence of desired functional groups, scaffolding ability, spreadability, gel forming ability, compatibility with other organic and inorganic materials, coupled with its modifiable tailor-made ability has made CS a widely employed functional polysaccharide in the field of nanosensing. This review highlights the integration of CS with nanosensors and its potential to enhance the safety and in vivo efficacy of nanosensors.