Phenylboronic acid-decorated polymeric nanomaterials for advanced bio-application

Abstract The paradigm of using phenylboronic acid-decorated polymeric nanomaterials for advanced bio-application has been well established over the past decade. Phenylboronic acid and its derivatives are known to form reversible complexes with polyols, including sugar, diol and diphenol. This unique chemistry of phenylboronic acid has given many chances to be exploited for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review highlights the recent advances in fabrication of phenylboronic acid-decorated polymeric nanomaterials, especially focus on the interactions with glucose and sialic acid. Applications of these phenylboronic acid-decorated nanomaterials in drug delivery systems and biosensors are discussed.