Microbial exopolysaccharide-based nano-carriers with unique multi-functionalities for biomedical sectors

Herein, we have presented a broad overview of microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS)-based nano-structures that are continuously being explored for their potential biomedical applications, e.g., cell and/or drug encapsulation, gene delivery, tissue engineering, diagnostics, and related therapeutics. The sustainable exploitation of naturally occurring EPS-based polymeric nano-carriers using state-of-the-art nanotech engineering approaches has provided an excellent alternative to conventional bioimaging and drug delivery technologies. EPS-based drug transport covers a specific niche "intelligent therapeutics" which is still being established and has not been well described in the literature. Thus, herein, an effort has been made to cover this literature gap to present unique multi-functional potentialities of microbial EPS with suitable examples. EPS-based nano-pharmaceutics exhibit certain advantages over conventional counterparts, such as ease in preparation, in vivo biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustainability. EPS and their derivatives are successfully applied for several biomedical applications, e.g., wound dressing scaffolds, arthritis treatment, dental impressions, and tissue engineering purposes. The progress in targeted delivery systems using micro and nanosystems has opened a new dimension in biopolymer-based biomedicines and smart surgical procedures. This huge area of biomedical engineering is described by the availability of a diverse range of EPS-derivatives, whose multi-functional characteristics can be controlled. Through bioconjugation, i.e., functionalized composite production, different systems have been designed, such as controlled drug release and target accumulation of therapeutic substances. Potential EPS applications are not just limited to targeted transport but also covers several emerging diagnostic technologies. Several bioactive EPS have also been studied for their properties like anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. Based on currently available data on EPS-based nano-structures for biomedical domains, it can be undoubtedly stated that they present a broad future ahead.