Chapter 2 - Glycogen-based hydrogels

Abstract

Glycogen, a unique polysaccharide, is known as the store house of energy in nature. Discovered in 1857, its metabolic role has been thoroughly investigated, but its potential for use in the biomedical field remained largely unexplored. Recently the polymer has grown in importance due to its ease of functionalization, dendrimer-like structure, biodegradable nature, and hydrogel-forming capability. Dimension wise too, can be classified as nanoparticles which are thought to be of enormous importance in cell-specific targeting of drugs. Rich in hydroxyl groups, glycogen allows easy derivatization to create custom-made surfaces and internal motifs. Phytoglycogen (the glycogen like molecule obtained from plant sources) also has a hyperbranched structure. It can shelter external molecules/ drug in its various layers, which makes it suitable as a carrier for both drug and diagnostic agents. The present article is an in-depth account of various research that explored glycogen's potential in the biomedical field, especially drug delivery and tissue engineering.