In this focused progress review, the most widely accepted methods of transdermal drug delivery are hypodermic needles, transdermal patches and topical creams. However, microneedles (MNs) (or microneedle arrays) are low-invasive 3D biomedical constructs that bypass the skin barrier and produce systemic and localized pharmacological effects. In the past, biomaterials such as carbohydrates, due to their physicochemical properties, have been extensively used to manufacture microneedles (MNs). Due to their wide range of functional groups, carbohydrates enable the design and development of tunable properties and functionalities. In recent years, numerous microneedle products have emerged on the market, although much research needs to be undertaken to overcome the various challenges before the successful introduction of microneedles into the market. As a result, carbohydrate-based microarrays have a high potential to achieve a future step in sensing, drug delivery, and biologics restitution. In this review, a comprehensive overview of carbohydrates such as hyaluronic acid, chitin, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cellulose and starch is discussed systematically. It also discusses the various drug delivery strategies and mechanical properties of biomaterial-based MNs, the progress made so far in the clinical translation of carbohydrate-based MNs, and the promotional opportunities for their commercialization. In conclusion, the article summarizes the future perspectives of carbohydrate-based MNs, which are considered as the new class of topical drug delivery systems.

This review focuses on the modification of chitosan and gelatin-based hydrogel composite polymers for wound healing. First, the mechanical properties of several nanocomposite polymer hydrogels are compared based on water content, tensile strength, toughness and tensile strain. Furthermore, key findings on several modification techniques of the mechanical properties of chitosan are summarized. For example, we show that complexation of iron ions improves mechanical properties better than most other metal ions. Subsequently, gelatin – based hydrogel polymeric systems are compared on the basis of their preparative techniques, time to hemostasis, in vivo model and wound type, blood loss in treatment groups, biocompatibility and adhesive strength. Next, major outcomes on several techniques for improving the mechanical properties of gelatin biopolymer for wound healing are discussed. Then, effects of crosslinking on mechanical properties and hydrogel biocompatibility, in particular, the relationship between DHT crosslinking and gelation concentration are presented. Finally, research on adhesive anti-biofilm hydrogels are summarized, with focus on bacterial cellulosic, and chitosan – based hydrogels. Though similar reviews have been presented, the role of specific biological macromolecule-based composites such as chitosan and gelatin, have not been reviewed for some time despite the abundance of primary research findings. Knowledge gap and a list of unaddressed research questions are presented to aid further work in the field.

Natural polymer scaffolds can be used for tissue engineering applications such as cell delivery and cell-free supporting of native tissues. This is because of their desirable properties such as; high biocompatibility, tunable mechanical strength and conductivity, large surface area, porous- and extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicked structures. Specifically, their less toxicity and biocompatibility makes them suitable for several tissue engineering applications. For these reasons, several biopolymer scaffolds are currently being explored for numerous tissue engineering applications. Nevertheless, research on the nature, chemistry, and properties of nanocomposite biopolymers have been previously reported, while the need for a comprehensive research note on more tissue engineering application of these biopolymers remains. As a result, this present study comprehensively reviews the development of natural biopolymer scaffolds for tissue engineering applications such as; cartilage tissue engineering, cornea repairs, osteochondral defect repairs, and nerve regeneration. More so, the implications of research findings for further studies would be presented. Additionally, the impact of research advances on future research and other specific recommendations are presented.

There is need to advance the field of regenerative medicine through a comprehensive analysis of common biomaterials application. Since lots of studies on tissue engineering, drug delivery and wounds dressing have been reported in the literature, the need to analyze these studies and provide directions for future research, makes a review imperative. The use of chitosan, gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol for the applications have been analyzed in this review. Previous and current research on the application of these biopolymers in growth factor delivery, cancer therapy, cartilage constructs/regeneration, bone cell responses and others been reviewed. Also, different examples of physical and chemical crosslinks have been presented.

Composites of nanofiber, nanogel, and microgels for the delivery of doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and other drugs, enhance their solubility, onsite targeted delivery, and therapeutic potency in targeted sites. Thanks to their properties. The ability of the polymer-based delivery vehicles to target specific tissues for therapeutic drug deliveries make the challenges of low binding, large size distribution and others, less significant. A scoping review assisted us to determine the coverage of the literature on biomedical application of nanofiber, nanogel, and microgels composites, by mapping the available evidence and identifying knowledge gaps. Research questions and limitations of current literature were answered. Graphical Abstract

Aspen Plus® modelling and simulation of mixed wood sawdust pyrolysis has been reported. This study evaluates the suitability of mixed wood sawdust for biomass pyrolysis. Physiochemical analyses of the sawdust sample were determined in the Aspen Plus® equilibrium model of mixed wood sawdust pyrolysis. Proximate analysis of moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon contents were 6.93, 2.03, 38.5, and 52.54 wt %, respectively while ultimate analysis of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and sulfur contents were 61.5, 29.52, 0.67, 7.68, and 0.63 wt %, respectively. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents were 68.7, 27.3, and 4.0 wt %, respectively. The study reports predicted sample yields of 56.94, 30.77, and 12.29 wt % for bio-char, bio-oil, and biogas, respectively, at 500 oC and at 1 atm. In the sawdust, fixed carbon content was higher than that of volatile matter. Hypothetical biomass decomposition components used in the Aspen Plus® equilibrium model of mixed wood sawdust pyrolysis influence the predicted pyrolysis products yield.