Table 5. Classification of Stimuli-Responsive Polysaccharides (PSAs) Based on Type, Responsive Groups, Responsible Stimuli, and Recommended Biomedical Applications.
| Stimuli | Responsive groups | PSA | Applications | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pH | Phenylboronic ester | Dextran | • Drug delivery | (357) |
| Thiol | Chitosan | • Wound healing | (359) | |
| Reactive oxygen species (ROS) | Boronic ester | Dextran | • Drug delivery | (360) |
| H2O2 (redox)/light | MnO2 | Chitosan | • Wound healing | (361) |
| GSH (redox)/temperature | Disulfide linkage | Cellulose | • Drug delivery | (362) |
| Thermosensitive/pH responsive/cell penetrating | H6R6-chitosan-g-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) | Chitosan | • Promoting tumor apoptosis | (363) |
| Glucose (chemicals) | Glucose oxidase | Dextran | • Insulin delivery | (364) |
| Near-infrared | Mussel-inspired polydopamine | Glycol chitosan | • Combating bacterial infection | (365) |
| Polydopamine | Chitosan | • Coagulopathy | (366) | |
| • Tissue regeneration | ||||
| Gold nanoparticles | Chitosan | • Cancer treatment | (367) | |
| Gold nanorod | Chitosan | • Drug delivery vehicle | (368) | |
| Polyaniline | Glycol chitosan | • Photothermal therapy | (369) | |
| Quantum dots | Cellulose | • Printing industry | (370) | |
| • Packaging industry | ||||
| Photo- and redox-responsive | Dithioerythritol | Carboxymethyl cellulose | • Shape memory hydrogel | (371) |
| Electric/pH responsive | Polyaniline | Chitosan | •“Smart” drug release | (340) |