Carbohydrate polymer derived nanocomposites: design, features and potential for biomedical applications

Because of unique structural and physicochemical characteristics (low cost, processable, renewable, hydrophilic, bio-miscible, ecological friendly), carbohydrate polymers or polysaccharides have found promising applications in biomedical field. Common carbohydrate matrices used for nanocomposites formation include chitosan, cellulose, starch, alginate, dextrin, galactose, and derived polymers. This review emphasis design and existing/emerging technologies of carbohydrate polymeric nanocomposites. Carbohydrate polymeric nanocomposites have been developed using nanocarbons (graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotube), metal nanoparticles (metal, metal oxide), and inorganic nanofillers. The interactions in matrix-nanofiller develop synergistic effects to function in desired biomedical applications such as biosensing, antibacterial, wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.

Automated summary

This review discusses the design and existing/emerging technologies of carbohydrate polymeric nanocomposites and their promising applications in the biomedical field. The interactions between the matrix and nanofillers create synergistic effects, enabling these nanocomposites to be used in various biomedical applications such as biosensing, antibacterial activities, wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.