Smart fluorescent polysaccharides: Recent developments and applications

Polysaccharides are ubiquitous, generally benign in nature, and compatible with many tissues in biomedical situations, making them appealing candidates for new materials such as therapeutic agents and sensors. Fluorescent labeling can create the ability to sensitively monitor distribution and transport of polysaccharide-based materials, which can for example further illuminate drug-delivery mechanisms and therefore improve design of delivery systems. Herein, we review fluorophore selection and ways of appending polysaccharides, utility of the product fluorescent polysaccharides as new smart materials, and their stimulus-responsive nature, with focus on their biomedical applications as environment-sensitive biosensors, imaging, and as molecular rulers. Further, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, and future prospects for creation and use of these self-reporting materials.

Automated summary

Polysaccharides are widely used in biomedical applications, such as therapeutic agents and sensors, due to their compatibility with various tissues. Fluorescent labeling allows for sensitive monitoring of polysaccharide-based materials, improving drug-delivery system design. This review discusses fluorophore selection, methods of attaching polysaccharides, and the utility of fluorescent polysaccharides as smart materials in biomedicine, focusing on their applications as environment-sensitive biosensors, imaging tools, and molecular rulers. The advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects of these self-reporting materials are also explored.