Sustainable Biopolymeric Nanoparticles and Their Potential Applications in Eco-friendly Drug Delivery Systems

Sustainable biopolymeric nanoparticles or nanocomposites are gaining recognition as cutting-edge nanocarriers for biomedical applications, particularly drug delivery, providing a sustainable, long-lasting, and controlled release profile at targeted sites. These nanoparticles, sourced from natural biopolymers, offer significant advantages, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and stability, making them superior alternatives to traditional metal nanoparticles. This review investigates the potential of biopolymeric nanoparticles derived from a variety of sources, including plant, animal, algal, fungal, and bacterial origins, as adaptable materials for drug delivery systems. Emphasising recent developments over the last decades, the review classifies biopolymeric nanoparticles according to their fabrication methods, such as emulsification, precipitation or desolvation, co-acervation, microfluidics including spray deposition, and their applications in biomedicine. It discusses biopolymers that act as nanocarriers commonly employed in drugdelivery systems. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges faced and future directions, providing a thorough resource for the development of customised biopolymeric nanoparticles for advancements in drug delivery.