%0 Journal Article
%T Exploring the potential of chitin and chitosan in nanobiocomposites for fungal immunological detection and antifungal action.
%A Gómez-Gaviria M
%A Mora-Montes HM
%J Carbohydr Res
%V 543
%N 0
%D 2024 Sep 19
%M 39038396
%F 2.975
%R 10.1016/j.carres.2024.109220
%X Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine and an essential component of the fungal cell wall. Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin and is also important for maintaining the integrity of this structure. Both polysaccharides are widely distributed in nature and have been shown to have a variety of applications in biomedicine, including their potential in immune sensing and as potential antifungal agents. In addition, chitin has been reported to play an important role in the pathogen-host interaction, involving innate and adaptive immune responses. This paper will explore the role of chitin and chitosan when incorporated into nanobiocomposites to improve their efficacy in detecting fungi of medical interest and inhibiting their growth. Potential applications in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine will be discussed, highlighting their promise in the development of more sensitive and effective tools for the early diagnosis of fungal infections. This review aims to highlight the importance of the convergence of nanotechnology and biology in addressing public health challenges.