Metal nanoparticles and carbohydrate polymers team up to improve biomedical outcomes
Seid Reza Falsafi, Fuat Topuz, Dagmara Bajer, Zahra Mohebi, Maryam Shafieiuon, Hajar Heydari, Shruti Rawal, Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan, Myeong‐Hyeon Wang, Rubiya Khursheed, M.H. Enayati, Hadis Rostamabadi
Abstract
The convergence of carbohydrate polymers and metal nanoparticles (MNPs) holds great promise for biomedical applications. Researchers aim to exploit the capability of carbohydrate matrices to modulate the physicochemical properties of MNPs, promote their therapeutic efficiency, improve targeted drug delivery, and enhance their biocompatibility. Therefore, understanding various attributes of both carbohydrates and MNPs is the key to harnessing them for biomedical applications. The many distinct types of carbohydrate-MNP systems confer unique capabilities for drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, cancer treatment, and even food packaging. Here, we introduce distinct physicochemical/biological properties of carbohydrates and MNPs, and discuss their potentials and shortcomings (alone and in combination) for biomedical applications. We then offer an overview on carbohydrate-MNP systems and how they can be utilized to improve biomedical outcomes. Last but not least, future perspectives toward the application of such systems are highlighted.