Biopolymeric Nanoparticles–Multifunctional Materials of the Future

Abstract

Nanotechnology plays an important role in biological research, especially in the development of delivery systems with lower toxicity and greater efficiency. These include not only metallic nanoparticles, but also biopolymeric nanoparticles. Biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPNs) are mainly developed for their provision of several advantages, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and minimal toxicity, in addition to the general advantages of nanoparticles. Therefore, given that biopolymers are biodegradable, natural, and environmentally friendly, they have attracted great attention due to their multiple applications in biomedicine, such as drug delivery, antibacterial activity, etc. This review on biopolymeric nanoparticles highlights their various synthesis methods, such as the ionic gelation method, nanoprecipitation method, and microemulsion method. In addition, the review also covers the applications of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles in different areas—especially in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agricultural domains. In conclusion, the present review highlights recent advances in the synthesis and applications of biopolymeric nanoparticles and presents both fundamental and applied aspects that can be used for further development in the field of biopolymeric nanoparticles.

Sustainable Biodegradable Biopolymer-Based Nanoparticles for Healthcare Applications

“…This is due to their unique functions and properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, photoprotection, and antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In addition, they are naturally renewable, relatively inexpensive, and provide high stability in biological fluids and during storage [ 3 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Furthermore, various drugs and therapeutic agents can be successfully incorporated into biopolymeric nanoparticles, contributing to enhanced release at the target site [ 44 ].…”

“…The ionic gelation method depends on electrostatic interactions between charged polysaccharides in an aqueous medium under certain conditions. It is considered the most commonly used method for the preparation of stable polysaccharide nanoparticles [ 3 , 61 , 62 , 63 ].…”

“…The field of nanotechnology, which encompasses the synthesis, development, and application of nanomaterials in a size range from 1 to 100 nm, has gained increasing interest in various areas in recent years. Among other things, nanomaterials, especially nanoparticles, play an important role, especially in the field of healthcare applications, where they offer higher efficiency and lower toxicity [ 1 , 2 , 3 ].…”

“…In addition, some can be very toxic to the human body. Therefore, their use is limited because the body cannot metabolize and excrete them [ 3 ]. In contrast, biopolymeric nanoparticles are suitable for various healthcare applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, and other advantageous properties.…”

Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs): A versatile growth promoter in modern agricultural production

“…chitin and chitosan) or agricultural (such as starch, cellulose and pectin) resources, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. Chitosan NPs are biodegradable polymers hence these are mainly studied as delivery systems for slow and controlled release of active ingredients, stabilization of biomolecules such as proteins, genetics materials, and peptides [ 39 , 40 ]. In another research study, Pereira et al.…”