Table 3 Therapeutic applications of BG

BG as vehicles of anti-cancer drugs

Effective delivery of drugs into cancerous cells, enhanced cytotoxic potential of anti-cancer drugs, suppressed proliferative activities of cancerous cells

[95]

BG as carriers of pesticide drugs

Treatment showed protective and curative effects against plant pathogens, plants showed significant resistance to rainfall

[107]

BG as carriers of immunocontraceptives

Evoked humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against ova proteins, significantly reduced super-ovulation and fertilization

[108]

BG as immunomodulatory agents in cancer immunotherapy

Significant increase in survival rate, significant increase in circulating CD8a+ T cells, significant decrease in metastasis foci area and incidence

[109]

BG as carriers of foreign antigens to treat infectious diseases

Induced mucosal as well as systemic humoral and CMI responses, protection against infectious diseases

[38, 78, 110]

BG as carriers of enzymes, antibiotics and vitamins

Protection of the encapsulated substance against premature degradation and immunological reaction, sustained release of the drug, preservation of enzymatic activity

[38]

BG as carriers of DNA vaccines

Increased DNA transfection efficiencies, increased immunogenicity of DNA-based vaccines, enhanced protective efficacy of DNA vaccines

[10, 38]