Glyco-nanomaterials as a therapeutic target in drug delivery and biomedicine: A review

Nanomaterials have significantly influenced various fields, notably pharmaceuticals, due to their unique properties and potential applications. Among these, glyco-nanomaterials featuring biological carbohydrate polymers such as cellulose, chitosan are explored in targeted therapies for their enhanced functionality and biocompatibility. These polysaccharides play a crucial role in drug delivery, bioadhesion, and controlled release due to their biodegradability and structural versatility. This review discusses the synthesis, characterization, and applications of various glyco-nanomaterials including monosaccharides like glucose, fructose, glucosamine etc, as they are key components of polysaccharides, focusing on the roles of these specific carbohydrate polymers. The advantages of these materials include improved targeting capabilities, reduced toxicity, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy, particularly in cancer cell targeting, antimicrobial interventions, immunotherapy, and diagnostic procedures. By examining the interactions between sugar moieties and nanoparticles, this review underscores the critical contribution of biological polysaccharides to the performance of glyco-nanomaterials. Despite their potential, challenges such as scalability, stability, and regulatory barriers hinder clinical translation. This review provides insights into glyco-nanomaterials, guiding researchers toward innovative solutions in glyco-nanomedicine.