ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the properties of common polysaccharides and the main mechanisms for polysaccharide-based nanoparticle preparation and provides examples from the conceptual design toward pre-clinical and clinical applications. The size and surface characteristics of a nanoparticle are crucial for the control of its biodistribution in vivo. The passive targeting is achieved by extravasation of nanoparticles through increased permeability of the tumor vasculature and ineffective lymphatic drainage. Cyclodextrins have a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic cavity that enables them to act as hosts to hydrophobic molecules. This ability to form inclusion complexes has been widely studied since its discovery. It is utilized in many industrial products, analytical methods, and technologies including the production of cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles. Arabinogalactan is a long, highly branched natural polysaccharide composed mostly of galactose and arabinose. In a covalently cross-linking nanoparticle, the network structure is permanent since irreversible chemical links are formed.
