Self-assembled polysaccharide nanostructures for controlled-release applications

Self-assembling polysaccharide nanostructures have moved to the forefront of many fields due to their wide range of functional properties and unique advantages, including biocompatability and stimulus responsiveness. In particular, the field of controlled release, which involves influencing the location, concentration, and efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), diagnostics, nutrients, or other bioactive compounds, has benefited from polysaccharide biomaterials. Nanostructure formation, stimulus responsiveness, and controlled-release performance can be engineered through facile chemical functionalization and noncovalent intermolecular interactions. This review discusses polysaccharide nanoparticles, designed for targeted and time-controlled delivery of emerging APIs, with improved retention, stability, solubility, and permeability characteristics. Topics covered include nanoparticles of cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin-containing polymers, hydrophobically modified polysaccharides, polysaccharide nanoparticles that respond to pH, temperature, or light stimulus, polysaccharide prodrug complexes, polysaccharide complexes with lipids and proteins, and other polysaccharide polyelectrolyte complexes.