Alginate-based biomaterials as versatile carriers for biomedical applications

Alginate-based materials have attracted considerable attention in the medical industry due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and great potential in good health and well-being. Brown algae's alginate is a natural polysaccharide that forms hydrogels in the presence of divalent cations; hence, it finds employment as a carrier in several different biomedical applications. As an ideal vehicle for drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound repair, and cell encapsulation, alginate's chemical structure, gelling process, and physical characteristics are thoroughly examined. Functionalization and modification of alginates to boost their mechanical strength, stability, and biological activity are thoroughly discussed. Better performance in regulated release systems of alginate-based composites, including hybrid systems with other polymers or nanoparticles, and in regenerative medicine is generating inquisitiveness. This review discusses the synthesis and functionalization, immunogenicity, and scalability of alginate-based materials in addition to innovative technologies, mainly 3D bioprinting and stimuli-responsive alginates. In addition, it highlights the vital requirement of alginate-based materials in the development of innovative medical therapies besides the current applications and promising future perspectives.