Glucosamine and Galactosamine Functionalised Silica Nanoparticles for the Targeting of Glycoproteins

Abstract Mucosal tissues serve as critical protective barriers in the human body and are coated with a diverse array of glycan-rich, saccharide-substituted compounds. In this study, we investigate the potential of saccharide-functionalised nanoparticles to selectively target these glycans, with a view toward drug delivery applications. Spherical silica nanoparticles were synthesised and covalently functionalised with glucosamine or galactosamine. Characterisation through biological assays, binding studies, and dynamic light scattering confirmed their capacity to interact with mucin-II (MUC2) and mucin-overexpressing cell lines. Notably, particles functionalised with galactose or glucose demonstrated strong affinity for MUC2 in suspension and showed enhanced binding to Caco-2 cells compared to non-saccharide modified particles. These findings highlight the potential of glycan-targeting nanoparticles as a platform for mucosal drug delivery.