In the field of biomedical nanotechnology, chitosan and alginate —both naturally derived biopolymers — have garnered significant attention due to their distinct properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and modifiable chemical functionalities. Chitosan, sourced from chitin, offers features like antimicrobial properties, enhanced adhesion, and pH sensitivity, making it highly valuable for designing drug delivery systems and products for wound healing. Alginate, derived from seaweed, provides exceptional gel-forming abilities and a mild encapsulation process ideal for cell and biomolecule delivery. These biopolymers serve key roles in developing nano-scale applications like targeted drug delivery, biosensors, and tissue engineering scaffolds, which cater to extensive healthcare needs such as regenerative medicine, sustainable packaging, and environmental remediation.
This Research Topic aims to explore the integration of chitosan and alginate into advanced nanotechnological applications, producing novel, effective solutions in biomedicine and beyond. Focusing on personalized medicine and theranostics, where current applications remain underutilized, innovations such as smart nanocarriers, responsive hydrogels, and multifunctional biomaterials will be investigated. This topic also seeks to overcome existing challenges related to their mechanical properties and production processes through advanced formulation strategies, surface functionalization, and hybrid material designs. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, we aim to enhance their functionality and accessibility across an array of biomedical and environmental applications.
To gather further insights into the complex interactions and potential of these biopolymers, we welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Design and synthesis of chitosan and alginate-based nanocarriers. • Functionalization techniques for enhancing delivery mechanisms. • Application of these biopolymers in wound healing and tissue engineering. • Investigation of antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. • Advances in biosensors and diagnostic tools based on chitosan and alginate.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Methods
Mini Review
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
