Fungal β-Glucan-Based Nanotherapeutics: From Fabrication to Application

Abstract

Fungal β-glucans are naturally occurring active macromolecules used in food and medicine due to their wide range of biological activities and positive health benefits. Significant research efforts have been devoted over the past decade to producing fungal β-glucan-based nanomaterials and promoting their uses in numerous fields, including biomedicine. Herein, this review offers an up-to-date report on the synthetic strategies of common fungal β-glucan-based nanomaterials and preparation methods such as nanoprecipitation and emulsification. In addition, we highlight current examples of fungal β-glucan-based theranostic nanosystems and their prospective use for drug delivery and treatment in anti-cancer, vaccination, as well as anti-inflammatory treatments. It is anticipated that future advances in polysaccharide chemistry and nanotechnology will aid in the clinical translation of fungal β-glucan-based nanomaterials for the delivery of drugs and the treatment of illnesses.

Understanding yeast shells: structure, properties and applications

“…In this sense, new strategies for drug and vaccine delivery vehicles have advanced, and it is worth investigating the use of fungal β-glucans as materials for capsule synthesis, whether or not these are conjugated with other materials [ 50 , 51 ].…”

Cereal β-d-Glucans in Food Processing Applications and Nanotechnology Research

“…In their recent work, Yang and Cheung [17] highlighted over 200 therapeutic nanoapplications primarily utilizing fungal β-glucans. These β-glucans, derived from fungi and yeast, have demonstrated remarkable anticancer and immunomodulatory properties among β-glucans from various sources.…”

“…Such tailored structures offer the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy by entrapping or conjugating therapeutic drugs and forming stabilized drug substances. For β-glucans, commonly employed methods involve electrical spinning or treatment with acid (TFA) or DMSO, which serve to convert the macromolecules into an LMW and a single-fiber state [17,137]. Moreover, Ashraf et al [138] reference other studies that have delved into the production of β-glucan nanoparticles using various methods, including supercritical fluid, emulsion, and solvent techniques.…”

“…Of all the β-glucans from various sources, those originating from mushrooms and yeast have been shown to possess remarkable antitumor and immune-modulating properties [17]. Within this context, earlier investigations have conjectured that the degree of branching plays a pivotal role in the biological activity of β-glucans.…”

“…They can function as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, textural agents, and gelation agents in milk and milk products, bakery products, meat products, and extruded products [14][15][16]. Recently, the therapeutic potential of predominately fungal β-glucans has been further expanded using nanotechnological approaches [17]. The objective of this review is to outline the primary procedures for isolating cereal β-D-glucans, to define the processing factors influencing their properties, and to describe their current use in the production of cereal-based foods.…”