Mushroom Derived Polysaccharide Carbohydrates Based Gold Nanoparticles: Therapeutic Roles and Biological Activities

Interaction of nanotechnology with natural biopolymers has prompted a paradigm shift to the sustainable and intelligent nanomaterials. This review discusses the novel combination of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and nanosponges (NS) made of mushroom polysaccharides to form a functional hybrid platform (AuNP@NS). Exceptional green reducing agents, stabilizers and bioactive matrices are mushroom polysaccharides, including b-glucans of Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinula edodes or heteropolysaccharides of Tremella fuciformis. Their chemical versatility and biofunctionality, such as immunomodulation, antitumor activity and enzyme-initiated degradation, allow them to produce stable and biocompatible AuNPs and develop porous and three-dimensional nanosponge structures. The hybrid AuNP@NS takes advantage of the synergistic properties of the components: plasmonic, catalytic and therapeutic properties of AuNPs are combined to the high encapsulation capacity, stimuli-responsiveness and inherent bioactivity of the polysaccharide nanosponge. This system is strictly tested in various applications. It is a very effective and recyclable nanoreactor, which increases reaction rates and stability in catalysis. It has synergistic biofilm disrupting activity as an antimicrobial agent against model pathogens. In the case of drug delivery, it allows loading of high payloads and stimuli-responsive release (e.g., pH or enzyme-stimulated). In sensing, it acts as a selective and sensitive colorimetric platform of targets such as heavy metals. The comparative study of the control systems (e.g., unsupported AuNPs, other polysaccharide matrices) proves that the AuNP@NS hybrid performs better in the aspects of colloidal stability, recyclability, multifunctionality, and targeted activity. Self-assembly of bioactive mushroom polysaccharide with AuNPs in a nanosponge constructivist design is a groundbreaking breakthrough in green nanotechnology, which will lead to the next generation theranostic, catalytic, and environmental remediation systems.