Exploring carrageenan: From seaweed to biomedicine-A comprehensive review

Abstract

Biomaterials are pivotal in the realms of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery and serve as fundamental building blocks. Within this dynamic landscape, polymeric biomaterials emerge as the frontrunners, offering unparalleled versatility across physical, chemical, and biological domains. Natural polymers, in particular, captivate attention for their inherent bioactivity. Among these, carrageenan (CRG), extracted from red seaweeds, stands out as a naturally occurring polysaccharide with immense potential in various biomedical applications. CRG boasts a unique array of properties, encompassing antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and antitumor attributes, positioning it as an attractive choice for cutting-edge research in drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. This comprehensive review encapsulates the multifaceted properties of CRG, shedding light on the chemical modifications that it undergoes. Additionally, it spotlights pioneering research that harnesses the potential of CRG to craft scaffolds and drug delivery systems, offering high efficacy in the realms of tissue repair and disease intervention. In essence, this review celebrates the remarkable versatility of CRG and its transformative role in advancing biomedical solutions.

Keywords: 3D bioprinting; Biological activity; Carrageenan; Chemical modification; Drug delivery; Hydrogel; Tissue engineering; Wound healing.