Issue 22, 2015

Carbohydrate nanocarriers in biomedical applications: functionalization and construction

Abstract

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.

Graphical abstract: Carbohydrate nanocarriers in biomedical applications: functionalization and construction

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
31 Jan 2015
First published
17 Aug 2015
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015,44, 8301-8325

Author version available

Carbohydrate nanocarriers in biomedical applications: functionalization and construction

B. Kang, T. Opatz, K. Landfester and F. R. Wurm, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, 44, 8301 DOI: 10.1039/C5CS00092K

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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