It is widely recognized that carbohydrates play a key role in many biological systems. From the simplest monosaccharides to the more complex and higher molecular weight polysaccharides, carbohydrates are the most structurally diverse classes of biomolecules. All cells have a dense and complex array of carbohydrates. These functionally fascinating molecules are key players in a number of cellular processes and modulate many cellular interactions. Pivotal participation of the carbohydrates in several cellular processes including cell growth regulation, differentiation, adhesion, cancer cell metastasis, cellular trafficking, inflammation by bacteria and viruses and immune response makes them the materials of choice in the development of nano-delivery systems. Carbohydrate-systems are unique and more advantageous over other synthetic materials for nanomedicine applications as they can potentially fulfill most of the requirements for applications in biosystems such as easy aqueous dispersion stability, biocompatibility and biomolecular recognition. In the last two decades, Narain and his team have focused in the development of unique glyco-materials for a range of applications such as in drug and gene delivery, as novel biomaterials, for biosensing, and in better understanding of the role of carbohydrate interactions with biologically relevant entities. Access to such a diverse range of novel carbohydrate based materials were made possible as a result of the recent advances in glycosciences and in polymer chemistry. For instance, controlled radical polymerization has allowed the access to more complex and biologically relevant glycopolymers and nanoparticles. This presentation will first provide an overview of the role of carbohydrates as an important component in the design and fabrication of new materials for a range of applications and, secondly, I will present the recent progress in the development of carbohydrate based biomaterials and nanomedicines.
For forthcoming colloquia, please see: http://www.materials.uoc.gr/en/colloquia