Biomedical applications of nanoparticles of chitosan from marine waste

Purpose: The review focuses on chitosan nanoparticle synthesis and its biomedical applications. The review briefly explains the biomedical applications of antimicrobials, cancer therapy, gene therapy, and anti-ageing. Notably, the chitosan biological activity can be further increased by coating metal ions such as iron oxide nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, etc. Design/methodology/approach: Chitosan is the N-acetyl derivative of chitin, which has the unique properties of biodegradability, non-toxicity, polycationic property and biocompatibility— no reports of ZnO sulphated chitosan nanoparticles being produced for antibacterial. We hope for the conduction of antibacterial research of ZnO sulphated chitosan nanoparticles. Findings: The study establishes that metal oxide nano-CH, characterised by an expanded size range beyond conventional parameters, exhibits a broad spectrum of biomedical applications. Its commendable biological attributes, encompassing biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability, make it a vehicle for drug delivery in medicine. Research limitations/implications: Nanomedicine is an emerging branch of medicine that applies tools and the basis of nanotechnology for disease prevention, treatment and diagnosis. Moreover, it helps overcome conventional medicine's limitations, including adverse side effects, poor pharmacokinetics and lack of selectivity. Originality/value: Using chitosan extracted from marine waste presents economic advantages. Furthermore, when coated with metal oxide nanoparticles, it enhances biomedical efficacy. Chitosan is an effective drug delivery vehicle, and its theranostic applications are valuable in the biomedical sector.