Self-assembled Nanogels consisting of Cholesterol-bearing Polysaccharides and their Applications in Medicine

Abstract

Cholesterol-bearing polysaccharides form self-assembled nanogels in water, which are versatile materials suitable for numerous applications in medicine. They are used in cancer vaccines, nasal vaccines, gene delivery, and regenerative medicine. Self-assembled nanogels encapsulate and provide controlled release of various drugs, including proteins (antigens for vaccines and growth hormone for regenerative medicine) or genes (siRNA and plasmid DNA). Moreover, self-assembled nanogel cross-linked macro-sized gels can act as scaffolds to support cell growth and tissue regeneration, making them valuable in tissue engineering and bone repair. Overall, self-assembled nanogels have a variety of medicinal uses and special properties that can improve patient care and progress the medical field.