LAUSR

(Nano)gels from macromolecular compounds-natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof, suitable crosslinkers-and conferred characteristics-such as degradability, size, charge, amphiphilicity, responsiveness, and softness-are capable of responding to the challenges imposed by bioengineering applications. Polysaccharide-based gels have received particular attention in this field. This review addresses recent advancement in the use of (nano)gel structures prepared only from compounds based on gellan gum, heparin, chondroitin sulfate, carrageenan, guar gum, galactose, or agarose, which represent an important part of the special class of natural polymers, the polysaccharides. Also, future trends are taken into discussion regarding the (nano)gels' use in biomedical applications such as biomimetics, biosensors, artificial muscles, and chemical separations in relation with their ability to be used as a vehicle for various biomolecules due to their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.