Publication Type : Journal Article
Thematic Areas : Medical Sciences, Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine
Publisher : Carbohydr Polym
Source : Carbohydr Polym, Volume 136, p.609-17 (2016)
Url : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26572393
Keywords : Animals, chitin, Drug Delivery Systems, Gels, Humans, molecular imaging, Nanoparticles
Campus : Kochi
School : Center for Nanosciences
Center : Amrita Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine Move, Nanosciences
Department : Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine
Year : 2016
Abstract : Chitin nanogels (CNGs) are a relatively new class of natural polymeric nanomaterials which have a large potential in the field of drug delivery and nanotherapeutics. These nanogels being very biocompatible are non-toxic when internalized by cells. In this review various properties, preparation techniques and applications of CNGs have been described. CNGs because of their nano-size possess certain unique properties which enable them to be used in a number of biomedical applications. CNGs are prepared by simple regeneration technique without using any cross-linkers. Various polymers, drugs and fluorescent dyes can be blended or incorporated or labelled with the chitin hydrogel network. Drugs and molecules encapsulated within CNGs can be used for targeted delivery, in vivo monitoring or even for therapeutic purposes. Here various applications of CNGs in the field of drug delivery, imaging, sensing and therapeutics have been discussed.
Cite this Research Publication : V. M Priya, Sabitha, M., and Jayakumar, R., “Colloidal chitin nanogels: A plethora of applications under one shell.”, Carbohydr Polym, vol. 136, pp. 609-17, 2016.