Lectins as the prominent potential to deliver bioactive metal nanoparticles by recognizing cell surface glycans

Highlights • Lectins recognize cell surface glycans as well as beyond carbohydrates. • Lectins serve as targeted drug delivery vehicle. • Lectins show anticancer, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activity. • Lectin forms a complex with metal nanoparticles and is used in diagnostics and therapeutics.