Carbohydrates as effective biopolymers have attracted the interest of researchers in various industrial applications, with a particular focus on their role in catalyst development. Their unique physicochemical properties and their ability to be purposefully modified with various ligands or a diverse range of nanomaterials make them ideal candidates for the preparation of multifunctional catalysts. Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in the synthesis and application of carbohydrate-based (nano)catalysts, particularly in the context of organic synthesis and green chemistry. This review presents the advancements achieved in the development and application of nano- and micro-catalysts derived from mono, oligo-, and polysaccharides—including glucose, sucrose, lactose, alginate, cellulose, starch, chitin, dextrin, chitosan, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and pectin—with a particular focus on their roles in multicomponent reactions (MCRs). The synthesis, mechanisms, and key determinants of catalytic effectiveness in MCRs are investigated. The latest research on carbohydrate-based catalysts is reviewed, along with the remaining challenges in the field. Future research directions are also proposed to inspire researchers to explore innovative strategies to design and develop the next generation of carbohydrate-based (nano)catalysts with higher functionalities and appealing features.
