Chitosan: A Potential Biopolymer in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications

Fabrication of chitosan coated bentonite clay multifunctional nanosorbents from waste biomass for the effective elimination of hazardous pollutants from waterbodies: A fixed bed biosorption, mechanism, and mathematical model study

The anthropogenic activity and hasty fluctuating technologies have been responsible for the generation of massive effluent which is so hazardous due to the loading of several toxicants. While most industries usually discharge it directly into the environment resulting in harsh damage to the ecology/public security. Therefore, it is critical to treat with a sustainable/cost-effective technique. Here, a new route of fabrication of chitosan-coated activated natural bentonite clay (CCANBC) bionanocomposites/bionanosorbents from waste biomass has been developed. Their potential application for the simultaneous removal of Ni2+ and Eosin Y from wastewater were investigated. The effective parameters like concentration (10-30 ppm), flow rate (2-4 mL/min), and bed height (0.5-1.5 cm) were inspected. The bionanosorbents were characterized by FTIR-ATR, XRD, FESEM, TGA, and BET analysis. Additionally, the effluents were explored by AAS and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. According to the findings it has been stated that the CCANBC bionanosorbents possessed significant dynamic edges, greater crystallinity (94.27 %), and higher thermal stability. They have exhibited a remarkable 2D honeycomb-like mesoporous microstructure with substantial specific surface area (19.29 m2/g). These outstanding features could be responsible for the dramatic adsorption enactment around 186.42 and 238.37 mg/g for Ni2+ and Eosin Y. The obtained data were evaluated by several mathematical models for better understanding the experimental BTC curve, reaction mechanism, and adsorption isotherm.

Advances of naturally derived biomedical polymers in tissue engineering

The extensive utilization of natural polymers in tissue engineering is attributed to their excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and resemblance to the natural extracellular matrix. These polymers have a wide range of applications such as delivering therapeutic medicine, detecting diseases, sensing biological substances, promoting tissue regeneration, and treating diseases. This is a brief review of current developments in the properties and uses of widely used biomedical polymers derived from nature. Additionally, it explores the correlation between the characteristics and functions of these materials in different biomedical applications and highlights the prospective direction for the advancement of natural polymer materials in tissue engineering.

[Application and progress of bio-derived materials in bladder regeneration and repair]

Objective

To summarize the research progress of bio-derived materials used for bladder regeneration and repair.

Methods

The recent domestic and foreign sutudies on bio-derived materials used for bladder regeneration and repair, including classification, morphology optimization process, tissue regeneration strategies, and relevant clinical trials, were summarized and analyzed.

Results

Numerous types of bio-derived materials are employed in bladder regeneration and repair, characterized by their low immunogenicity and high inducible activity. Surface modification, gelation, and other morphology optimization process have significantly broadened the application scope of bio-derived materials. These advancements have effectively addressed complications, such as perforation and urolith formation, that may arise during bladder regeneration and repair. The strategy of tissue regeneration utilizing bio-derived materials, targeting the regeneration of bladder epithelium, smooth muscle, blood vessels, and nerves, offers a novel approach to achieving functional regeneration of bladder. Bio-derived materials show great promise for use in bladder regeneration and repair, yet the results from clinical trials with these materials have been less than satisfactory.

Conclusion

Bio-derived materials are widely used in bladder regeneration and repair due to the good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and degradable properties, yet face a series of problems, and there are no commercialized bladder tissue engineering grafts used in clinical treatment.

Bile acid conjugated chitosan nanoparticles promote the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Bile acids have been known to play significant roles at certain physiological levels in gastrointestinal metabolism. Yet, they are known to be carcinogenic and aid in tumor progression in most cases, although the roles remain uncertain. Hence, we tested the cytotoxic potential of cholic acid (CA) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) on Hep3B cells. The physicochemical properties of the CNPs synthesized with CA load (CA-CNPs) were determined using standard techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The characteristic peak for chitosan nanoparticles were observed for plain CNPs (pCNPs) and CA-CNPs at around 300 nm as per UV-Vis analysis. FTIR analysis indicated the possible trapping of CA onto CNPs as certain peaks were retained and some peaks were shifted. XRD analysis determined that the peaks representing CA and pCNPs were collectively obtained in CA-CNPs. As per DLS analysis, the particle size, PDI and ζ-potential of the CA-CNPs were 259 nm, 0.284 and 30.4 mV. Further, the CA-CNPs were non-cytotoxic on Hep3B cells at the maximum tested concentration of 500 μg/mL. The viability at 500 μg/mL of CA-CNPs was two-fold higher than 500 μg/mL of pCNPs. Also, the pCNPs were not hemolytic and therefore could not have played a role in the increase of viability after treatment with CA-CNPs, which indicates that CA posed a major role in increased viability of Hep3B cells. As per quantitative PCR (qPCR), the upregulated gene expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTORC2, cMyc, Fibronectin, hVPS34, Slug and ZEB1 and the downregulated expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN indicates that PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway mediated the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to CA-CNPs treatment on Hep3B cells.

Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated Piper betle essential oil alleviates Alzheimer's disease associated pathology in Caenorhabditis elegans

A multifaceted approach in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition that poses health risks in the aging population is explored in this investigation via encapsulating Piper betle essential oil (PBEO) in chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) to improve solubility and efficacy of PBEO. PBEO-ChNPs mitigated AD-like features more effectively than free PBEO by delaying paralysis progression and reducing serotonin hypersensitivity, ROS levels, Aβ deposits, and neurotoxic Aβ-oligomers in the Caenorhabditis elegans AD model. PBEO-ChNPs significantly improved lifespan, neuronal health, healthspan, cognitive function, and reversed deficits in chemotaxis and reproduction. PBEO-ChNPs also induced stress response genes daf-16, sod-3, and hsp-16.2. The participation of the DAF-16 pathway in reducing Aβ-induced toxicity was confirmed by daf-16 RNAi treatment, and upregulation of autophagy genes leg-1, unc-51, and bec-1 was noted. This study is the first to demonstrate an alternative biopolymeric nanoformulation with natural PBEO and chitosan, in mitigating AD and its associated symptoms.

Novel chitosan-based hydrogels as promising wound dressing materials with advanced properties

Herein, four different grafted chitosans were synthesized by covalent attachment of glycine, L-arginine, L-glutamic acid, or L-cysteine to the chitosan chains. All products were subsequently permethylated to obtain their corresponding quaternary ammonium salts to enhance the inherent antimicrobial properties of native chitosan. In all cases, transparent hydrogels with the following remarkable characteristics were obtained: i) high-water absorption capacity (32-44 g H2O per g of polymer), ii) viscoelastic behavior at low deformations, iii) flexibility when subjected to deformations and iv) stability over long time scales. All the permethylated derivatives successfully inhibited 100 % of the growth of S. aureus. They also exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against E. coli than native chitosan. The structure of the chemically crosslinked products was more stable under external perturbations than that of the physically crosslinked ones. Between the chemically crosslinked products, the permethylated glutamic acid-grafted chitosan exhibited a noteworthy higher water absorption capacity with respect to that modified with cysteine, which makes it the most promising material for various industrial applications, including biomedical and food industries. Regarding biomedical applications, this derivative met the required physicochemical criteria for wound dressings, which encourages the pursuit of biological studies necessary to ensure the safety of its use for this application.

A comprehensive review of chitosan-based functional materials: From history to specific applications

Chitosan (CTS), a natural biopolymer derived from chitin, has garnered significant attention owing to its potential chemical, biological, and physical properties, such as biocompatibility, bioactivity, and biosafety. This comprehensive review traces the historical development of CTS-based materials and delves into their specific applications across various fields. The study highlights the evolution of CTS from its initial discovery to its current state, emphasizing key milestones and technological advancements that have expanded its utility. Despite the extensive research, the synthesis and functionalization of CTS to achieve desired properties for targeted applications remain a challenge. This review addresses current problems such as the scalability of production, consistency in quality, and the environmental impact of extraction and modification processes. Additionally, it explores the novel applications of CTS-based materials in biomedicine, agriculture, environmental protection, and food industry, showcasing innovative solutions and future potentials. By providing a detailed analysis of the current state of CTS research and identifying gaps in knowledge, this review offers a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals. The novelty of this work lies in its holistic approach, combining historical context with a forward-looking perspective on emerging trends and potential breakthroughs in the field of CTS-based functional materials. Therefore, this review will be helpful for readers by summarizing recent advances and discussing prospects in CTS-based functional materials.

Folate-engineered chitosan nanoparticles: next-generation anticancer nanocarriers

Chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) are well-recognized as promising vehicles for delivering anticancer drugs due to their distinctive characteristics. They have the potential to enclose hydrophobic anticancer molecules, thereby enhancing their solubilities, permeabilities, and bioavailabilities; without the use of surfactant, i.e., through surfactant-free solubilization. This allows for higher drug concentrations at the tumor sites, prevents excessive toxicity imparted by surfactants, and could circumvent drug resistance. Moreover, biomedical engineers and formulation scientists can also fabricate chitosan NPs to slowly release anticancer agents. This keeps the drugs at the tumor site longer, makes therapy more effective, and lowers the frequency of dosing. Notably, some types of cancer cells (fallopian tube, epithelial tumors of the ovary, and primary peritoneum; lung, kidney, ependymal brain, uterus, breast, colon, and malignant pleural mesothelioma) have overexpression of folate receptors (FRs) on their outer surface, which lets folate-drug conjugate-incorporated NPs to target and kill them more effectively. Strikingly, there is evidence suggesting that the excessively produced FR&αgr (isoforms of the FR) stays consistent throughout treatment in ovarian and endometrial cancer, indicating resistance to conventional treatment; and in this regard, folate-anchored chitosan NPs can overcome it and improve the therapeutic outcomes. Interestingly, overly expressed FRs are present only in certain tumor types, which makes them a promising biomarker for predicting the effectiveness of FR-targeted therapy. On the other hand, the folate-modified chitosan NPs can also enhance the oral absorption of medicines, especially anticancer drugs, and pave the way for effective and long-term low-dose oral metronomic scheduling of poorly soluble and permeable drugs. In this review, we talked briefly about the techniques used to create, characterize, and tailor chitosan-based NPs; and delved deeper into the potential applications of folate-engineered chitosan NPs in treating various cancer types.

Unlocking the potential of biocompatible chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanogels labeled with fluorochromes: A promising step toward enhanced FRET bioimaging

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide widely used in medical formulations as nanoparticles due to their special properties. Our work aimed to assess the biocompatibility of chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanogels labeled with fluorochromes for use in biomedical applications, based on the FRET effect. The preparation method included the ionic gelation, grafting rhodamine or fluorescein isothiocyanate molecules onto the chitosan backbone. To assess the potential applications as fluorescence imaging tools of chitosan-fluorophores conjugates in diagnostics and therapies, SVEC4-10 cells (simian virus 40-transformed mouse microvascular endothelial cell line) and RAW264.7 murine macrophages were used within this study. Good biocompatibility was observed after 6 and 24 h of incubation with nanogels, with no increase in cell death or membrane damage for concentrations up to 120 μg/mL. Both types of fluorescent nanogels presented the tendency to agglomerate on the cell membrane's surface, and few cells were internalized, especially at the periphery of cells. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that distances between fluorophores fitted at values close to those calculated based on FRET experiments. These formulations can further incorporate gadolinium for better nanomedicine tools.

Implementing the Design of Experiments (DoE) Concept into the Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Orange Peel Extract as a Potential Concept for the Treatment of Oral Infections

This study explores for the first time the impact of chitosan (CS) with varying molecular weights (MW), orange peel extract concentration, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) content on the formulation of buccal tablets for treating oral infections. Utilizing a statistical design of experiments (DoE), nine different formulations were evaluated for mechanical properties, dissolution behavior, mucoadhesion, and biological activity. A formulation with high CS MW, 60% orange peel extract, and 8% HPMC, emerged as the optimal formulation, demonstrating superior tabletability, compressibility, and compactibility. Dissolution studies indicated that hesperidin release followed the Higuchi model, with higher extract content enhancing this phenomenon. Mucoadhesion improved with increased HPMC and CS concentrations, although higher extract content reduced bioadhesion. Biological assays showed that higher extract levels boosted antioxidant activity, while CS primarily contributed to anti-inflammatory effects. The optimized formulation exhibited broad antimicrobial activity against key oral pathogens, surpassing the effectiveness of the individual components. Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed the significant influence of extract content on tablet properties. These findings suggest that the optimized tablet formulation holds promise for effective buccal delivery in the treatment of oral infections, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Chitosan/siRNA nanoparticles targeting PARP-1 attenuate Neuroinflammation and apoptosis in hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in Neuro2a cells

Hyperglycemia induces an excessive production of superoxide by the mitochondria's electron-transport chain triggers several pathways of injury contributing to the development of diabetic complications. This increase in oxidative and nitrosative stress triggers the activation of PARP-1, a nuclear enzyme, through mechanisms such as DNA damage. siRNA-chitosan nanoparticles were formed based on electrostatic interaction, their particle size, zeta potential, STEM, and cellular uptake were characterized. Neuro2a cells were treated with low glucose (LG) and high glucose (HG) for 24 and 48 h. Neuro2a cells were pre-treated with negative siRNA, naked siRNA, siRNA-Lipofectamine™300, and ChNPs-5. qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of regulatory, inflammatory, and apoptotic biomarkers. The siRNA-chitosan complex at the weight ratio 1:3000 were approximately uniform spheres with particle size 150.5 nm and a positive zeta potential of about +41.5 mV. The uptake of FITC-labeled nanoparticles into Neuro2a cells was visualized using fluorescence microscopy with no significant cytotoxicity compared to the control cells. High glucose stimulation of Neuro2a cells increased PARP1 expression, and with siRNA-ChNP (1:3000) treatment, significant inhibition of PARP1 expression is observed that consequently reversed the expression of regulatory genes like SIRT1, FOXO1, FOXO3, and p53. PARP-1 inhibition reduced HG-induced inflammatory response, including NF-kB, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, iNOS, and TGF-β expression, and HG-induced apoptosis response, such as Cas-3, Cas-9, BAK, BAX, and AIF expression. This study highlights the crucial role of siRNA delivery via ChNPs and PARP-1 inhibition in hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in Neuro2a cells and PARP-1 inhibition may be a feasible strategy for the treatment of hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.

Efficacy of Food Industry By-Product β-Glucan/Chitin-Chitosan on Lipid Profile of Overweight and Obese Individuals: Sustainability and Nutraceuticals

Fat-binding nutraceutical supplements have gained considerable attention as potential cholesterol-lowering strategies to address dyslipidemia in overweight and obese individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a polysaccharide-rich compound containing β-glucan/chitin-chitosan (βGluCnCs) on lipid profiles and lipoprotein function. In a prospective, two-arm clinical trial, 58 overweight and obese individuals were randomized to receive either 3 g/day of βGluCnCs or a placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) for 12 weeks. Serum lipids and lipoprotein functions were assessed at baseline and at 4-week intervals throughout the study. The administration of βGluCnCs led to a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (HDLc) levels and improved HDLc/non-HDLc and HDLc/total cholesterol (TC) ratios, while reducing apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels (p < 0.05). However, the intervention did not affect HDL particle diameter, particle number, or lipoprotein functionality. Women demonstrated greater sensitivity to changes in HDLc during βGluCnCs supplementation, whereas men exhibited a significant reduction in ApoB levels. When stratified by baseline LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels (cut-off: 130 mg/dL), the increase in HDLc and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was found in the low-LDL group. In contrast, the high-LDL group experienced a significant reduction in atherogenic non-LDLc and LDLc, along with an improvement in HDL's antioxidant capacity after βGluCnCs intervention. These changes were not statistically significant in the placebo group. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that daily supplementation with βGluCnCs significantly improved lipid profiles, with effects that varied based on sex and baseline LDLc levels.

Green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles using Cassia fistula leaf extract: evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities

The emerging field of green synthesis within nanobiotechnology presents significant environmental and economic advantages compared to conventional methodologies. This study investigates the synthesis and application of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) using Cassia fistula (CF) leaf extract as a sustainable, and bio-based approach. Characterization of CF-ChNPs confirmed effective bioconversion and also demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Notably, CF-ChNPs demonstrated a remarkable antimicrobial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a zone of inhibition of 17 ± 0.2 mm surpassing the impact on other organisms tested. The CF-ChNPs exhibited an initial burst release of 28 ± 0.28% after 2 h, gradually achieving a controlled release of 76.3 ± 0.43% within 24 h. In addition, CF-ChNPs exhibited an antioxidant activity of 43.1 ± 0.48% and showed excellent antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to other organisms. The cell viability assay results have confirmed that CF-ChNPs do not have any negative impact on the viability of L929 fibroblasts, further highlighting their potential as versatile nanomaterials for treating microbial infections and other therapeutic applications.

Synthesis and analysis of multifunctional graphene oxide/Ag2O-PVA/chitosan hybrid polymeric composite for wound healing applications

The requirement for accurate treatments for skin diseases and wounds, generated a rising interest towards multifunctional polymer composites, that are capable of mimicking the natural compositions in human body. Also, electroactive composite films disseminate endogenous electrical stimulations that encourage cell migration and its proliferation at wound site, proposing greater opportunities in upgrading the conventional wound patches. In this work, the composite film made of graphene oxide, Ag2O, PVA and chitosan were developed for wound healing applications, by the solution casting method. The even dispersibility of nanofiller in polymeric matrix was validated from the physicochemical analyses. The increment in roughness of the composite film surface was noted from AFM images. The thermal stability and porous nature of the polymer composite were also verified. A conductivity value of 0.16 × 10-4 Scm-1 was obtained for the film. From MTT assay, it was noted that the films were non-cytotoxic and supported cell adhesion along with cell proliferation of macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells. Moreover, the composite film also demonstrated non-hemolytic activity of <2 %, as well as excellent antibacterial activity towards E. coli and S. aureus. Thus, the obtained results validated that the prepared composite film could be chosen as an innovative candidate for developing state-of-the-art wound dressings.

Bioactive chitosan films: Integrating antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties in food packaging

In this work, chitosan was combined with bio-vanillin (BV) and kaolin clay (KC) to create a novel antifungal and biodegradable food packaging film. The chitosan/KC/BV film exhibited an antioxidant capacity of 80 % as measured by DPPH assay, which was significantly higher than that of the chitosan film which has 55.6 %). The film also demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity with a reduction of 90 % in the growth of E. coli and S. aureus compared to the control. Additionally, the chitosan/KC/BV film showed a 75 % reduction in fungal growth compared to chitosan film. Furthermore, the water vapor permeability of the chitosan film was reduced as 5.38 with the addition of KC/BV. The degradation study revealed that the chitosan/KC film degraded by 88 % within 20 days under composting conditions. Additionally, fresh-cut apple slices were used to examine the effectiveness of chitosan/KC/BV film as a packaging material. The fruit's weight loss and browning index showed satisfactory food preservation. Our research suggests that the chitosan/KC/BV film has great potential for use in the food sector due to its strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and biodegradable properties.

Advancements in the nanodelivery of azole-based fungicides to control oil palm pathogenic fungi

The cultivation of oil palms is of great importance in the global agricultural industry due to its role as a primary source of vegetable oil with a wide range of applications. However, the sustainability of this industry is threatened by the presence of pathogenic fungi, particularly Ganoderma spp., which cause detrimental oil palm disease known as basal stem rot (BSR). This unfavorable condition eventually leads to significant productivity losses in the harvest, with reported yield reductions of 50-80 % in severely affected plantations. Azole-based fungicides offer potential solutions to control BSR, but their efficacy is hampered by limited solubility, penetration, distribution, and bioavailability. Recent advances in nanotechnology have paved the way for the development of nanosized delivery systems. These systems enable effective fungicide delivery to target pathogens and enhance the bioavailability of azole fungicides while minimising environmental and human health risks. In field trials, the application of azole-based nanofungicides resulted in up to 75 % reduction in disease incidence compared to conventional fungicide treatments. These innovations offer opportunities for the development of sustainable agricultural practices. This review highlights the importance of oil palm cultivation concerning the ongoing challenges posed by pathogenic fungi and examines the potential of azole-based fungicides for disease control. It also reviews recent advances in nanotechnology for fungicide delivery, explores the mechanisms behind these nanodelivery systems, and emphasises the opportunities and challenges associated with azole-based nanofungicides. Hence, this review provides valuable insights for future nanofungicide development in effective oil palm disease control.

Chitosan and its derivatives regulate lactic acid synthesis during milk fermentation

Introduction

The influence of chitosan's physicochemical characteristics on the functionality of lactic acid bacteria and the production of lactic acid remains very obscure and contradictory to date. While some studies have shown a stimulatory effect of oligochitosans on the growth of Lactobacillus spp, other studies declare a bactericidal effect of chitosan. The lack and contradiction of knowledge prompted us to study the effect of chitosan on the growth and productivity of L. bulgaricus in the presence of chitosan and its derivatives.

Methods

We used high molecular weight chitosan (350 kDa) and oligochitosans (25.4 and 45.3 kDa). The experiment was carried out with commercial strain of L. bulgaricus and the low fat skim cow milk powder reconstituted with sterile distilled water. After fermentation, dynamic viscosity, titratable acidity, pH, content of lactic acid, colony forming units, chitosan and oligochitosans radii were measured in the samples. Fermented dairy products were also examined using sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoretic analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and light microscopy.

Results and discussion

The results of the study showed that when L. bulgaricus was cultured in the presence of 25.4 kDa oligochitosans at concentrations of 0.0025%, 0.005%, 0.0075% and 0.01%, the average rate of LA synthesis over 24 hours was 11.0 × 10-3 mol/L/h, 8.7 × 10-3 mol/L/h, 6.8 × 10-3 mol/L/h, 5.8 × 10-3 mol/L/h, respectively. The 45.3 kDa oligochitosans had a similar effect, while the average rate of lactic acid synthesis in the control sample was only 3.5 × 10-3 mol/L/h. Notably, 350 kDa chitosan did not affect the rate of lactic acid synthesis compared with the control sample. Interestingly, interaction of chitosan with L. bulgaricus led to a slowdown in the synthesis of propanol, an increase in the content of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, and a change in the composition and content of other secondary metabolites. The quantity of L. bulgaricus in a sample with 0.01% chitosan exceeded their content in the control sample by more than 1,700 times. At the same chitosan concentration, the fermentation process was slowed down, increasing the shelf life of the fermented milk product from 5 to 17 days while maintaining a high content of L. bulgaricus (6.34 × 106 CFU/g).

Applications of Chitosan in Prevention and Treatment Strategies of Infectious Diseases

Chitosan is the most commonly investigated functional cationic biopolymer in a wide range of medical applications due to its promising properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioadhesivity, as well as its numerous bioactive properties. Within the last three decades, chitosan and its derivatives have been investigated as biomaterials for drug and vaccine delivery systems, besides for their bioactive properties. Due to the functional groups in its structure, it is possible to tailor the delivery systems with desired properties. There has been a great interest in the application of chitosan-based systems also for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, specifically due to their antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunostimulatory effects. In this review, recent applications of chitosan in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases are reviewed, and possibilities and limitations with regards to technical and regulatory aspects are discussed. Finally, the future perspectives on utilization of chitosan as a biomaterial are discussed.

Chitosan as Support Material for Metal-Organic Framework based Catalysts

Turning waste into valuable products is one of the main challenges of the chemical industry. In this work, chitosan (CS), an abundant, low-cost, and non-toxic biopolymer derived from chitin, was reshaped into beads of ~3 mm. Their suitability as a support material for active phase catalyst materials was tested for a zirconium-based Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) with incorporated Pt, namely UiO-67-Pt. Its incorporation was investigated via two procedures: a one-pot synthesis (OPS) and a post-synthetic functionalization (PSF) synthesis method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show good UiO-67-Pt dispersion throughout the CS beads for the one-pot synthesized material (UiO-67-Pt-OPS@CS). However, this uniform dispersion was not observed for the post-synthetically functionalized material (UiO-67-Pt-PSF@CS). The success of the implementation of UiO-67-Pt was evaluated with ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy for both composite materials. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals higher thermal stabilities for UiO-67-Pt-OPS@CS composite beads in comparison to pure CS beads, but not for UiO-67-Pt-PSF@CS. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of chitosan as a green, bead-shaped support material for MOFs, offering flexibility in their incorporation through different synthesis routes. It further contributes to the broader goal of the sustainable and eco-friendly design of a new generation of catalysts made from waste materials, which will be the topic of future studies.

Chitosan microflower-embedded gelatin sponges for advanced wound management and hemostatic applications

The study explored the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and hemostatic properties of chitosan microflowers (CMF) in sponge form. The main objective was to enhance the preparation of CMF by employing varying quantities of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and tripolyphosphate (TPP). CMF was then combined with gelatin (GE) in different proportions to produce three sponge samples: CMF0@GE, CMF1@GE, and CMF2@GE. The CMF had a morphology like that of a flower and produced surfaces with a porous sponge-like structure. The antibacterial activity, as determined by the zone of inhibition (ZOI), increased with greater doses of CMF. Among the tested samples, CMF2@GE had the greatest activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium. CMF2@GE successfully suppressed biofilm formation, decreased clotting time to an average of 212.67 s, and exhibited excellent biocompatibility by preserving over 90 % viability of human skin fibroblast cells at dosages below 100 μg/mL. The results indicated that gelatin sponges filled with CMF have considerable promise as flexible medical instruments for wound healing and infection control.

Development of novel hybrid nanomaterials with potential application in bone/dental tissue engineering: design, fabrication and characterization enriched-SAPO-34/CS/PANI scaffold

Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI, a novel hybrid bio-composite scaffold with potential application in dental tissue engineering, was prepared by freeze drying technique. The scaffold was characterized using FT-IR and SEM methods. The effects of PANI on the physicochemical properties of the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS scaffold were investigated, including changes in swelling ratio, mechanical behavior, density, porosity, biodegradation, and biomineralization. Compared to the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS scaffold, adding PANI decreased the pore size, porosity, swelling ratio, and biodegradation, while increasing the mechanical strength and biomineralization. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, and adhesion of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) on the scaffolds were investigated by MTT assay and SEM. The Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI scaffold promoted hDPSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation compared to the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS scaffold. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, and qRT-PCR results revealed that Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI triggered osteoblast/odontoblast differentiation in hDPSCs through the up-regulation of osteogenic marker genes BGLAP, RUNX2, and SPARC. The significance of this study lies in developing a novel scaffold that synergistically combines the beneficial properties of Fe-Ca-SAPO-34, chitosan, and PANI to create an optimized microenvironment for dental tissue regeneration. These findings highlight the potential of the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI scaffold as a promising biomaterial for dental tissue engineering applications, paving the way for future research and clinical translation in regenerative dentistry.

Novel Functional Dressing Materials for Intraoral Wound Care

Intraoral wounds represent a particularly challenging category of mucosal and hard tissue injuries, characterized by the unique structures, complex environment, and distinctive healing processes within the oral cavity. They have a common occurrence yet frequently inflict significant inconvenience and pain on patients, causing a serious decline in the quality of life. A variety of novel functional dressings specifically designed for the moist and dynamic oral environment have been developed and realized accelerated and improved wound healing. Thoroughly analyzing and summarizing these materials is of paramount importance in enhancing the understanding and proficiently managing intraoral wounds. In this review, the particular processes and unique characteristics of intraoral wound healing are firstly described. Up-to-date knowledge of various forms, properties, and applications of existing products are then intensively discussed, which are categorized into animal products, plant extracts, natural polymers, and synthetic products. To conclude, this review presents a comprehensive framework of currently available functional intraoral wound dressings, with an aim to provoke inspiration of future studies to design more convenient and versatile materials.

Exploring the Potentials of Chitin and Chitosan-Based Bioinks for 3D-Printing of Flexible Electronics: The Future of Sustainable Bioelectronics

Chitin and chitosan-based bioink for 3D-printed flexible electronics have tremendous potential for innovation in healthcare, agriculture, the environment, and industry. This biomaterial is suitable for 3D printing because it is highly stretchable, super-flexible, affordable, ultrathin, and lightweight. Owing to its ease of use, on-demand manufacturing, accurate and regulated deposition, and versatility with flexible and soft functional materials, 3D printing has revolutionized free-form construction and end-user customization. This study examined the potential of employing chitin and chitosan-based bioinks to build 3D-printed flexible electronic devices and optimize bioink formulation, printing parameters, and postprocessing processes to improve mechanical and electrical properties. The exploration of 3D-printed chitin and chitosan-based flexible bioelectronics will open new avenues for new flexible materials for numerous industrial applications.

Prospective applications of bioactive materials in orthopedic therapies: A review

The biomedical application of biodegradable polymers for addressing bone-related diseases has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Advances in material technology have expanded the repertoire of materials suitable for orthopedic implants, with nanomaterials playing a pivotal role in replicating crucial surface properties akin to natural tissues. This comprehensive review explores the evaluation of bioactive glass ceramics, shedding light on their properties and applications. The synthesis of composites through composite manufacturing has emerged as a strategy to enhance biocompatibility and biomechanical characteristics. They are addressing challenges associated with conventional implants and nanomaterials, whether in the form of functional nano coatings or nanostructured surfaces, present opportunities to refine implant techniques. Novel developments in orthopedic biomaterials, such as smart biomaterials, porous structures, and 3D implants, offer stimuli-responsive behavior to achieve desired implant shapes and characteristics. Bioactive and biodegradable porous polymer/inorganic composite materials are explored for bone tissue engineering scaffolds, aiming to promote bone formation and regeneration. As a prospective direction, the integration of stem cells into scaffolds hints at the creation of next-generation synthetic/living hybrid biomaterials, displaying high adaptability in biological settings. This review establishes a foundation for nanotechnology-driven biomaterials by elucidating fundamental design factors crucial for orthopedic implant performance and their response to cell differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion.

Nanocellulose-based hydrogels as versatile materials with interesting functional properties for tissue engineering applications

Tissue engineering has emerged as a remarkable field aiming to restore or replace damaged tissues through the use of biomimetic constructs. Among the diverse materials investigated for this purpose, nanocellulose-based hydrogels have garnered attention due to their intriguing biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and sustainability. Over the past few years, numerous research works have been published focusing on the successful use of nanocellulose-based hydrogels as artificial extracellular matrices for regenerating various types of tissues. The review emphasizes the importance of tissue engineering, highlighting hydrogels as biomimetic scaffolds, and specifically focuses on the role of nanocellulose in composites that mimic the structures, properties, and functions of the native extracellular matrix for regenerating damaged tissues. It also summarizes the types of nanocellulose, as well as their structural, mechanical, and biological properties, and their contributions to enhancing the properties and characteristics of functional hydrogels for tissue engineering of skin, bone, cartilage, heart, nerves and blood vessels. Additionally, recent advancements in the application of nanocellulose-based hydrogels for tissue engineering have been evaluated and documented. The review also addresses the challenges encountered in their fabrication while exploring the potential future prospects of these hydrogel matrices for biomedical applications.

Recent advances of bone tissue engineering: carbohydrate and ceramic materials, fundamental properties and advanced biofabrication strategies ‒ a comprehensive review

Bone is a dynamic tissue that can always regenerate itself through remodeling to maintain biofunctionality. This tissue performs several vital physiological functions. However, bone scaffolds are required for critical-size damages and fractures, and these can be addressed by bone tissue engineering. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has the potential to develop scaffolds for repairing critical-size damaged bone. BTE is a multidisciplinary engineered scaffold with the desired properties for repairing damaged bone tissue. Herein, we have provided an overview of the common carbohydrate polymers, fundamental structural, physicochemical, and biological properties, and fabrication techniques for bone tissue engineering. We also discussed advanced biofabrication strategies and provided the limitations and prospects by highlighting significant issues in bone tissue engineering. There are several review articles available on bone tissue engineering. However, we have provided a state-of-the-art review article that discussed recent progress and trends within the last 3-5 years by emphasizing challenges and future perspectives.

Advanced biopolymeric materials and nanosystems for RNA/DNA vaccines: a review

The post COVID-19 pandemic era has emerged with more efficient vaccines, all based on genetic materials. However, to expand the use of nucleic components as vaccines, a new generation of nanosystems particularly constructed to increase RNA/DNA stability, half-life and facilitate administration are still required. This review highlights novel developments in mRNA and pDNA vaccines formulated into nanostructures exclusively composed by biopolymeric materials. Recent advances suggest that a new generation of vaccines may arise by adapting the structural features of biopolymers with the effectiveness of nucleic acids. The advantages offered by biopolymers, such as increased stability and targeting ability may cause a revolution in the immunization field for offering promptly adaptable and effective formulations for worldwide distribution.

Drug Loading in Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are promising vehicles for targeted and controlled drug release. Recognized for their biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and ease of production, CSNPs represent an effective approach to drug delivery. Encapsulating drugs within nanoparticles (NPs) provides numerous benefits compared to free drugs, such as increased bioavailability, minimized toxic side effects, improved delivery, and the incorporation of additional features like controlled release, imaging agents, targeted delivery, and combination therapies with multiple drugs. Keys parameters in nanomedicines are drug loading content and drug loading efficiency. Most current NP systems struggle with low drug loading, presenting a significant challenge to the field. This review summarizes recent research on developing CSNPs with high drug loading capacity, focusing on various synthesis strategies. It examines CSNP systems using different materials and drugs, providing details on their synthesis methods, drug loadings, encapsulation efficiencies, release profiles, stability, and applications in drug delivery. Additionally, the review discusses factors affecting drug loading, providing valuable guidelines for future CSNPs' development.

Materials based on biodegradable polymers chitosan/gelatin: a review of potential applications

Increased mass manufacturing and the pervasive use of plastics in many facets of daily life have had detrimental effects on the environment. As a result, these worries heighten the possibility of climate change due to the carbon dioxide emissions from burning conventional, non-biodegradable polymers. Accordingly, biodegradable gelatin and chitosan polymers are being created as a sustainable substitute for non-biodegradable polymeric materials in various applications. Chitosan is the only naturally occurring cationic alkaline polysaccharide, a well-known edible polymer derived from chitin. The biological activities of chitosan, such as its antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial qualities, have recently piqued the interest of researchers. Similarly, gelatin is a naturally occurring polymer derived from the hydrolytic breakdown of collagen protein and offers various medicinal advantages owing to its unique amino acid composition. In this review, we present an overview of recent studies focusing on applying chitosan and gelatin polymers in various fields. These include using gelatin and chitosan as food packaging, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, properties encapsulating biologically active substances, tissue engineering, microencapsulation technology, water treatment, and drug delivery. This review emphasizes the significance of investigating sustainable options for non-biodegradable plastics. It showcases the diverse uses of gelatin and chitosan polymers in tackling environmental issues and driving progress across different industries.

Chitosan: An overview of biological activities, derivatives, properties, and current advancements in biomedical applications

The second and most often utilized natural polymer is chitosan (CS), a naturally existing amino polysaccharide that is produced by deacetylating chitin. Numerous applications have been the subject of in-depth investigation due to its non-hazardous, biologically compatible, and biodegradable qualities. Chitosan's characteristics, such as mucoadhesion, improved permeability, controlled release of drugs, in situ gelation process, and antibacterial activity, depend on its amino (-NH2) and hydroxyl groups (-OH). This study examines the latest findings in chitosan research, including its characteristics, derivatives, preliminary research, toxic effects, pharmaceutical kinetics and chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) based for non-parenteral delivery of drugs. Chitosan and its derivatives have a wide range of physical and chemical properties that make them highly promising for use in the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. The characteristics and biological activities of chitosan and its derivative-based nanomaterials for the delivery of drugs, therapeutic gene transfer, delivery of vaccine, engineering tissues, evaluations, and other applications in medicine are highlighted in detail in the current review. Together with the techniques for binding medications to nanoparticles, the application of the nanoparticles was also dictated by their physical properties that were classified and specified. The most recent research investigations on delivery of drugs chitosan nanoparticle-based medication delivery methods applied topically, through the skin, and through the eyes were considered.

Cancer Nanovaccines: Nanomaterials and Clinical Perspectives

Cancer nanovaccines represent a promising frontier in cancer immunotherapy, utilizing nanotechnology to augment traditional vaccine efficacy. This review comprehensively examines the current state-of-the-art in cancer nanovaccine development, elucidating innovative strategies and technologies employed in their design. It explores both preclinical and clinical advancements, emphasizing key studies demonstrating their potential to elicit robust anti-tumor immune responses. The study encompasses various facets, including integrating biomaterial-based nanocarriers for antigen delivery, adjuvant selection, and the impact of nanoscale properties on vaccine performance. Detailed insights into the complex interplay between the tumor microenvironment and nanovaccine responses are provided, highlighting challenges and opportunities in optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the study presents a thorough analysis of ongoing clinical trials, presenting a snapshot of the current clinical landscape. By curating the latest scientific findings and clinical developments, this study aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians engaged in advancing cancer immunotherapy. Integrating nanotechnology into vaccine design holds immense promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment paradigms, and this review provides a timely update on the evolving landscape of cancer nanovaccines.

Modified chitosan: Insight on biomedical and industrial applications

Chitosan (CS), a by -product of chitin deacetylation can be useful in a broad range of purposes, to mention agriculture, pharmaceuticals, material science, food and nutrition, biotechnology and of recent, in gene therapy. Chitosan is a highly desired biomolecule due to the existence of many sensitive functional groups inside the molecule and also because of its net cationicity. The latter provides flexibility for creating a wide range of derivatives for particular end users across various industries. This overview aims to compile some of the most recent research on the bio-related applications that chitosan and its derivatives can be used for. However, chitosan's reactive functional groups are amendable to chemical reaction. Modifying the material to show enhanced solubility, a greater range of application options and pH-sensitive targeting and others have been a major focus of chitosan research. This review describes the modifications of chitosan that have been made to improve its water solubility, pH sensitivity, and capacity to target chitosan derivatives. Applying the by-products of chitosan as antibacterial, in targeting, extended release and as delivery systems is also covered. The by-products of chitosan will be important and potentially useful in developing new biomedical drugs in time to come.

Biomedical applications of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials

Nanomaterials have aroused great interests in drug delivery due to their nanoscale structure, facile modifiability, and multifunctional physicochemical properties. Currently, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials that can respond to endogenous or exogenous stimulus display strong potentials in biomedical applications. In comparison with conventional nanomaterials, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials can improve therapeutic efficiency and reduce the toxicity of drugs toward normal tissues through specific targeting and on-demand drug release at pathological sites. In this review, we summarize the responsive mechanism of a variety of stimulus, including pH, redox, and enzymes within pathological microenvironment, as well as exogenous stimulus such as thermal effect, magnetic field, light, and ultrasound. After that, biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery, imaging, and theranostics) of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials in a diverse array of common diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, inflammation, and bacterial infection, are presented and discussed. Finally, the remaining challenges and outlooks of future research directions for the biomedical applications of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials are also discussed. We hope that this review can provide valuable guidance for developing stimuli-responsive nanomaterials and accelerate their biomedical applications in diseases diagnosis and treatment.

(S)-3-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzyl) piperazine-2,5-dione (cyclo-Gly-L-DOPA or CG-Nio-CGLD) peptide loaded in Chitosan Glutamate-Coated Niosomes as anti-Colorectal cancer activity

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC), now the second most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, is more prevalent in young adults. In recent decades, there has been progress in creating anti-colorectal cancer medications, including cytotoxic compounds.

OBJECTIVES

Novel anticancer drugs are needed to surmount existing obstacles. A recent study investigated the effectiveness of novel formulations in preventing colorectal cancer.

METHODS

During this study, we assessed a new kind of niosome called cyclo-Gly-L-DOPA (CG-Nio-CGLD) made from chitosan glutamate. We evaluated the anti-colorectal cancer properties of CG-Nio-CGLD utilizing CCK-8, invasion assay, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and cell cycle analysis. The transcription of genes associated with apoptosis was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. At the same time, the cytotoxicity of nanomaterials on both cancer and normal cell lines was assessed using MTT assays. Novel anticancer drugs are needed to surmount existing obstacles. A recent study investigated the effectiveness of newly developed formulations in preventing colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

The Nio-CGLD and CG-Nio-CGLD were spherical mean diameters of 169.12 ± 1.87 and 179.26 ± 2.17 nm, respectively. Entrapment efficiency (EE%) measurements of the Nio-CGLD and CG-Nio-CGLD were 63.12 ± 0.51 and 76.43 ± 0.34%, respectively. In the CG-Nio-CGLD group, the percentages of early, late, necrotic, and viable CL40 cells were 341.93%, 23.27%, 9.32%, and 25.48%. The transcription of the genes PP53, cas3, and cas8 was noticeably higher in the treatment group compared to the control group (P > 0.001). Additionally, the treatment group had lower BCL2 and survivin gene expression levels than the control group (P < 0.01). Additionally, CG-Nio-CGLD formulations demonstrated a biocompatible nanoscale delivery mechanism and displayed little cytotoxicity toward the CCD 841 CoN reference cell line.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that chitosan-based noisome encapsulation may enhance the effectiveness of CG-Nio-CGLD formulations in fighting cancer.

The anti-cancer properties of miR-340 plasmid-chitosan complexes (miR-340 CC) on murine model of breast cancer

MiRNA-340 (miR-340) has been found to have tumour-suppressing effects in breast cancer (BC). However, for clinical use, miRNAs need to be delivered safely and effectively to protect them from degradation. In our previous study, we used chitosan complexes as a safe carrier with anti-cancer properties to deliver miR-340 plasmid into 4T1 cells. This study explored further information concerning the anti-cancer impacts of both chitosan and miR-340 plasmid in a murine model of BC. Mice bearing 4T1 cells were intra-tumorally administered miR-340 plasmid-chitosan complexes (miR-340 CC). Afterwards, the potential of miR-340 CC in promoting anti-tumour immune responses was evaluated. MiR-340 CC significantly reduced tumour size, inhibited metastasis, and prolonged the survival of mice. MiR-340 CC up-regulates P-27 gene expression related to cancer cell apoptosis, and down-regulates gene expressions involved in angiogenesis and metastasis (breast regression protein-39 (BRP-39)) and CD163 as an anti-inflammatory macrophages (MQs) marker. Furthermore, CD47 expression as a MQs immune check-point was remarkably decreased after miR-340 CC treatment. The level of IL-12 in splenocytes of miR-340 CC treated mice increased, while the level of IL-10 decreased, indicating anti-cancer immune responses. Our findings display that miR-340 CC can be considered as a promising therapy in BC.

The Role of Inhaled Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles in Lung Cancer Therapy

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely due to the limited efficacy of anticancer drugs, which is primarily attributed to insufficient doses reaching the lungs. Additionally, patients undergoing treatment experience severe systemic adverse effects due to the distribution of anticancer drugs to non-targeted sites. In light of these challenges, there has been a growing interest in pulmonary administration of drugs for the treatment of lung cancer. This route allows drugs to be delivered directly to the lungs, resulting in high local concentrations that can enhance antitumor efficacy while mitigating systemic toxic effects. However, pulmonary administration poses the challenge of overcoming the mechanical, chemical, and immunological defenses of the respiratory tract that prevent the inhaled drug from properly penetrating the lungs. To overcome these drawbacks, the use of nanoparticles in inhaler formulations may be a promising strategy. Nanoparticles can assist in minimizing drug clearance, increasing penetration into the lung epithelium, and enhancing cellular uptake. They can also facilitate increased drug stability, promote controlled drug release, and delivery to target sites, such as the tumor environment. Among them, chitosan-based nanoparticles demonstrate advantages over other polymeric nanocarriers due to their unique biological properties, including antitumor activity and mucoadhesive capacity. These properties have the potential to enhance the efficacy of the drug when administered via the pulmonary route. In view of the above, this paper provides an overview of the research conducted on the delivery of anticancer drug-loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles incorporated into inhaled drug delivery devices for the treatment of lung cancer. Furthermore, the article addresses the use of emerging technologies, such as siRNA (small interfering RNA), in the context of lung cancer therapy. Particularly, recent studies employing chitosan-based nanoparticles for siRNA delivery via the pulmonary route are described.

The combination of modified acupuncture needle and melittin hydrogel as a novel therapeutic approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves chronic joint inflammation. Combining acupuncture and medication for RA treatment faces challenges like spatiotemporal variability, limited drug loading in acupuncture needles, and premature or untargeted drug release. Here, we designed a new type of tubular acupuncture needles, with an etched hollow honeycomb-like structure to enable the high loading of therapeutics, integrating the traditional acupuncture and drug repository into an all-in-one therapeutic platform. In these proof-of-concept experiments, we fabricated injectable hollow honeycomb electroacupuncture needles (HC-EA) loaded with melittin hydrogel (MLT-Gel), enabling the combination treatment of acupuncture stimulation and melittin therapy in a spatiotemporally synchronous manner. Since the RA microenvironment is mildly acidic, the acid-responsive chitosan (CS)/sodium beta-glycerophosphate (β-GP)/ hyaluronic acid (HA) composited hydrogel (CS/GP/HA) was utilized to perform acupuncture stimulation and achieve the targeted release of injected therapeutics into the specific lesion site. Testing our therapeutic platform involved a mouse model of RA and bioinformatics analysis. MLT-Gel@HC-EA treatment restored Th17/Treg-mediated immunity balance, reduced inflammatory factor release (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and alleviated inflammation at the lesion site. This novel combination of modified acupuncture needle and medication, specifically melittin hydrogel, holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for RA treatment.

Nanofibrous Microspheres: A Biomimetic Platform for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Bone, a fundamental constituent of the human body, is a vital scaffold for support, protection, and locomotion, underscoring its pivotal role in maintaining skeletal integrity and overall functionality. However, factors such as trauma, disease, or aging can compromise bone structure, necessitating effective strategies for regeneration. Traditional approaches often lack biomimetic environments conducive to efficient tissue repair. Nanofibrous microspheres (NFMS) present a promising biomimetic platform for bone regeneration by mimicking the native extracellular matrix architecture. Through optimized fabrication techniques and the incorporation of active biomolecular components, NFMS can precisely replicate the nanostructure and biochemical cues essential for osteogenesis promotion. Furthermore, NFMS exhibit versatile properties, including tunable morphology, mechanical strength, and controlled release kinetics, augmenting their suitability for tailored bone tissue engineering applications. NFMS enhance cell recruitment, attachment, and proliferation, while promoting osteogenic differentiation and mineralization, thereby accelerating bone healing. This review highlights the pivotal role of NFMS in bone tissue engineering, elucidating their design principles and key attributes. By examining recent preclinical applications, we assess their current clinical status and discuss critical considerations for potential clinical translation. This review offers crucial insights for researchers at the intersection of biomaterials and tissue engineering, highlighting developments in this expanding field.

Advances in chitosan-based blends as potential drug delivery systems: A review

During the last decades, the ever-increasing incidence of diseases has led to high rates of mortality throughout the world. On the other hand, the inability and deficiencies of conventional approaches (such as chemotherapy) in the suppression of diseases remain challenging issues. As a result, there is a fundamental requirement to develop novel, biocompatible, bioavailable, and practical nanomaterials to prevent the incidence and mortality of diseases. Chitosan (CS) derivatives and their blends are outstandingly employed as promising drug delivery systems for disease therapy. These biopolymers are indicated more efficient performance against diseases compared with conventional modalities. The CS blends possess improved physicochemical properties, ease of preparation, high affordability, etc. characteristics compared with other biopolymers and even pure CS which result in efficient thermal, mechanical, biochemical, and biomedical features. Also, these blends can be administrated through different routes without a long-term treatment period. Due to the mentioned properties, numerous formulations of CS blends are developed for pharmaceutical sciences to treat diseases. This review article highlights the progressions in the development of CS-based blends as potential drug delivery systems against diseases.

A review on revolutionizing ophthalmic therapy: Unveiling the potential of chitosan, hyaluronic acid, cellulose, cyclodextrin, and poloxamer in eye disease treatments

Ocular disorders, encompassing both common ailments like dry eye syndrome and more severe situations for instance age-related macular degeneration, present significant challenges to effective treatment due to the intricate architecture and physiological barriers of the eye. Polysaccharides are emerging as potential solutions for drug delivery to the eyes due to their compatibility with living organisms, natural biodegradability, and adhesive properties. In this review, we explore not only the recent advancements in polysaccharide-based technologies and their transformative potential in treating ocular illnesses, offering renewed optimism for both patients and professionals but also anatomy of the eye and the significant obstacles hindering drug transportation, followed by an investigation into various drug administration methods and their ability to overcome ocular-specific challenges. Our focus lies on biological adhesive polymers, including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, cellulose, cyclodextrin, and poloxamer, known for their adhesive characteristics enhancing drug retention on ocular surfaces and increasing bioavailability. A detailed analysis of material designs used in ophthalmic formulations, such as gels, lenses, eye drops, nanofibers, microneedles, microspheres, and nanoparticles, their advantages and limitations, the potential of formulations in improving therapeutic outcomes for various eye conditions. Moreover, we underscore the discovery of novel polysaccharides and their potential uses in ocular drug delivery.

Achieving Endo/Lysosomal Escape Using Smart Nanosystems for Efficient Cellular Delivery

The delivery of therapeutic agents faces significant hurdles posed by the endo-lysosomal pathway, a bottleneck that hampers clinical effectiveness. This comprehensive review addresses the urgent need to enhance cellular delivery mechanisms to overcome these obstacles. It focuses on the potential of smart nanomaterials, delving into their unique characteristics and mechanisms in detail. Special attention is given to their ability to strategically evade endosomal entrapment, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The manuscript thoroughly examines assays crucial for understanding endosomal escape and cellular uptake dynamics. By analyzing various assessment methods, we offer nuanced insights into these investigative approaches' multifaceted aspects. We meticulously analyze the use of smart nanocarriers, exploring diverse mechanisms such as pore formation, proton sponge effects, membrane destabilization, photochemical disruption, and the strategic use of endosomal escape agents. Each mechanism's effectiveness and potential application in mitigating endosomal entrapment are scrutinized. This paper provides a critical overview of the current landscape, emphasizing the need for advanced delivery systems to navigate the complexities of cellular uptake. Importantly, it underscores the transformative role of smart nanomaterials in revolutionizing cellular delivery strategies, leading to a paradigm shift towards improved therapeutic outcomes.

Chitosan alchemy: transforming tissue engineering and wound healing

Chitosan, a biopolymer acquired from chitin, has emerged as a versatile and favorable material in the domain of tissue engineering and wound healing. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial characteristics make it a suitable candidate for these applications. In tissue engineering, chitosan-based formulations have garnered substantial attention as they have the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, furnishing an optimal microenvironment for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In the realm of wound healing, chitosan-based dressings have revealed exceptional characteristics. They maintain a moist wound environment, expedite wound closure, and prevent infections. These formulations provide controlled release mechanisms, assuring sustained delivery of bioactive molecules to the wound area. Chitosan's immunomodulatory properties have also been investigated to govern the inflammatory reaction during wound healing, fostering a balanced healing procedure. In summary, recent progress in chitosan-based formulations portrays a substantial stride in tissue engineering and wound healing. These innovative approaches hold great promise for enhancing patient outcomes, diminishing healing times, and minimizing complications in clinical settings. Continued research and development in this field are anticipated to lead to even more sophisticated chitosan-based formulations for tissue repair and wound management. The integration of chitosan with emergent technologies emphasizes its potential as a cornerstone in the future of regenerative medicine and wound care. Initially, this review provides an outline of sources and unique properties of chitosan, followed by recent signs of progress in chitosan-based formulations for tissue engineering and wound healing, underscoring their potential and innovative strategies.

Chitosan interaction with stomach mucin layer to enhances gastric retention and mucoadhesive properties

The interaction between mucoadhesive materials and mucin layers is of significant interest in the development of drug delivery systems and biomedical applications for effective targeting and prolonged stay in the gastrointestinal tract. In this article, the current advancement and mucoadhesive properties of chitosan concerning the stomach mucin layer and its interactions have been briefly addressed. Chitosan a biocompatible polysaccharide exhibited promising mucoadhesive properties attributed to its cationic nature and ability to establish bonds with mucin glycoproteins. The mucoadhesion mechanism is ascribed to the electrostatic interactions between the positively charged amino (NH2) groups of chitosan and the sialic acid residues in mucin glycoprotein which carry a negative charge. The article provides a succinct overview of prior uses, current trends, and recent advancements in chitosan-based gastric-targeted delivery systems. We look forward to further innovations and emerging research related to chitosan-based methods of delivery that may increase the chitosan suitability for use in novel therapeutic approaches.

Emerging trends and challenges in polysaccharide derived materials for wound care applications: A review

Polysaccharides are favourable and promising biopolymers for wound care applications due to their abundant natural availability, low cost and excellent biocompatibility. They possess different functional groups, such as carboxylic, hydroxyl and amino, and can easily be modified to obtain the desirable properties and various forms. This review systematically analyses the recent progress in polysaccharides derived materials for wound care applications, emphasizing the most commonly used cellulose, chitosan, alginate, starch, dextran and hyaluronic acid derived materials. The distinctive attributes of each polysaccharide derived wound care material are discussed in detail, along with their different forms, i.e., films, membranes, sponges, nanoemulsions, nanofibers, scaffolds, nanocomposites and hydrogels. The processing methods to develop polysaccharides derived wound care materials are also summarized. In the end, challenges related to polysaccharides derived materials in wound care management are listed, and suggestions are given to expand their utilization in the future to compete with conventional wound healing materials.

Metal-Organic Framework Based Mucoadhesive Nanodrugs for Multifunction Helicobacter Pylori Targeted Eradication, Inflammation Regulation and Gut Flora Protection

The prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria presents a significant challenge to the antibiotic treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), while traditional antimicrobial agents often suffer from shortcomings such as poor gastric retention, inadequate alleviation of inflammation, and significant adverse effects on the gut microbiota. Here, a selenized chitosan (CS-Se) modified bismuth-based metal-organic framework (Bi-MOF@CS-Se) nanodrug is reported that can target mucin through the charge interaction of the outer CS-Se layer to achieve mucosal adhesion and gastric retention. Additionally, the Bi-MOF@CS-Se can respond to gastric acid and pepsin degradation, and the exposed Bi-MOF exhibits excellent antibacterial properties against standard H. pylori as well as clinical antibiotic-resistant strains. Remarkably, the Bi-MOF@CS-Se effectively alleviates inflammation and excessive oxidative stress by regulating the expression of inflammatory factors and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby exerting therapeutic effects against H. pylori infection. Importantly, this Bi-MOF@CS-Se nanodrug does not affect the homeostasis of gut microbiota, providing a promising strategy for efficient and safe treatment of H. pylori infection.

Chitinases: expanding the boundaries of knowledge beyond routinized chitin degradation

Chitinases, enzymes that degrade chitin, have long been studied for their role in various biological processes. They play crucial roles in the moulting process of invertebrates, the digestion of chitinous food, and defense against chitin-bearing pathogens. Additionally, chitinases are involved in physiological functions in crustaceans, such as chitinous food digestion, moulting, and stress response. Moreover, chitinases are universally distributed in organisms from viruses to mammals and have diverse functions including tissue degradation and remodeling, nutrition uptake, pathogen invasion, and immune response regulation. The discovery of these diverse functions expands our understanding of the biological significance and potential applications of chitinases. However, recent research has shown that chitinases possess several other functions beyond just chitin degradation. Their potential as biopesticides, therapeutic agents, and tools for bioremediation underscores their significance in addressing global challenges. More importantly, we noted that they may be applied as bioweapons if ethical regulations regarding production, engineering and application are overlooked.

Chitosan nanoparticles of new chromone-based sulfonamide derivatives as effective anti-microbial matrix for wound healing acceleration

A new series of chromone and furochromone-based sulfonamide Schiff's base derivatives 3-12 were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, and A. niger using agar diffusion method. Compound 3a demonstrated potent antimicrobial activities with MIC values of 9.76 and 19.53 μg/mL against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans, which is 2-fold and 4-fold more potent than neomycin (MIC = 19.53, 39.06 μg/mL respectively). To improve the effectiveness of 3a, it was encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles (CS-3aNPs). The CS-3aNPs size was 32.01 nm, as observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) images and the zeta potential value was 14.1 ± 3.07 mV. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) were 91.5 % and 1.6 %, respectively as indicated by spectral analysis. The CS-3aNPs extremely inhibited bacterial growth utilizing the colony-forming units (CFU). The ability of CS-3aNPs to protect skin wounds was evaluated in vivo. CS-3aNPs showed complete wound re-epithelialization, hyperplasia of the epidermis, well-organized granulation tissue formation, and reduced signs of wound infection, as seen through histological assessment which showed minimal inflammatory cells in comparison with untreated wound. Overall, these findings suggest that CS-3aNPs has a positive impact on protecting skin wounds from infection due to their antimicrobial activity.

3D Printing of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: A Review

In tissue engineering, 3D printing represents a versatile technology employing inks to construct three-dimensional living structures, mimicking natural biological systems. This technology efficiently translates digital blueprints into highly reproducible 3D objects. Recent advances have expanded 3D printing applications, allowing for the fabrication of diverse anatomical components, including engineered functional tissues and organs. The development of printable inks, which incorporate macromolecules, enzymes, cells, and growth factors, is advancing with the aim of restoring damaged tissues and organs. Polysaccharides, recognized for their intrinsic resemblance to components of the extracellular matrix have garnered significant attention in the field of tissue engineering. This review explores diverse 3D printing techniques, outlining distinctive features that should characterize scaffolds used as ideal matrices in tissue engineering. A detailed investigation into the properties and roles of polysaccharides in tissue engineering is highlighted. The review also culminates in a profound exploration of 3D polysaccharide-based hydrogel applications, focusing on recent breakthroughs in regenerating different tissues such as skin, bone, cartilage, heart, nerve, vasculature, and skeletal muscle. It further addresses challenges and prospective directions in 3D printing hydrogels based on polysaccharides, paving the way for innovative research to fabricate functional tissues, enhancing patient care, and improving quality of life.