Carbohydrate nanocarriers in biomedical applications: functionalization and construction.
The specific targeting of either tumor cells or immune cells in vivo by carefully designed and appropriately surface-functionalized nanocarriers may become an effective therapeutic treatment for a variety of diseases. Carbohydrates, which are prominent biomolecules, have shown their outstanding ability in balancing the biocompatibility, stability, biodegradability, and functionality of nanocarriers. The recent applications of sugar (mono/oligosaccharides and/or polysaccharides) for the development of nanomedicines are summarized in this review, including the application of carbohydrates for the surface-functionalization of various nanocarriers and for the construction of the nanocarrier itself. Current problems and challenges are also addressed.
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany. wurm@mpip-mainz.mpg.de.
Biao
B
Kang
Till
T
Opatz
Katharina
K
Landfester
Frederik R
FR
Wurm
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D035843:Biomedical Research; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000737:chemistry*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002241:Carbohydrates; D004337:Drug Carriers