Glycomacromolecules: Addressing challenges in drug delivery and therapeutic development

Carbohydrate-based materials offer exciting opportunities for drug delivery. They present readily available, biocompatible components for the construction of macromolecular systems which can be loaded with cargo, and can enable targeting of a payload to particular cell types through carbohydrate recognition events established in biological systems. These systems can additionally be engineered to respond to environmental stimuli, enabling triggered release of payload, to encompass multiple modes of therapeutic action, or to simultaneously fulfil a secondary function such as enabling imaging of target tissue. Here, we will explore the use of glycomacromolecules to deliver therapeutic benefits to address key health challenges, and suggest future directions for development of next-generation systems. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Carbohydrate-based materials offer exciting opportunities for drug delivery by enabling targeted delivery and responsive release to environmental stimuli. By utilizing glycomacromolecules to deliver therapeutic benefits, key health challenges can be addressed effectively.