Progress in galactomannan-based materials for biomedical application

Abstract

Galactomannan-based biomaterials display a unique behavior in aqueous media due to their mechanical, rheological and solubility properties, which are increasingly attracting their applicability into the biomedical area. The physical-chemical features of galactomannans extracted from different botanical sources provide diverse applicability for the developed systems, which can deliver active substances and be applied in wound healing and bone replacement. Galactomannans have an essential biological role and can be easily chemically modified due to their reactive chemical structure. Besides, their biocompatibility and capacity to be applied in the form of film, hydrogel, micro, nanoparticles, and printed material, could revolutionize personalized medicine. Scientists are investigating ways to functionalize galactomannans with bioactive molecules to enhance their biological performance. This is the first review of galactomannans that combines their chemical modifications with biological activities, presenting various biomaterial possibilities with a focus on biomedical applications. The rising demand for renewable-source materials in the medical field underscores their importance, driving ongoing research to explore their full capabilities. As studies progress, the scope of clinical applications for galactomannan-based materials is expected to broaden. To maximize the bioactive potential of galactomannan-based materials, emphasis should be placed on clinical translation to facilitate its effective incorporation into biomedical applications.