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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
New drug delivery systems based on chitosan.
Inés Paños1, Niuris Acosta, Angeles Heras
1Biofunctional Studies Institute, Complutense University of Madrid, Paseo Juan XXIII, 1. 28040 Madrid, Spain.
This review explores chitosan microparticles for controlled drug delivery. It details four key encapsulation methods: ionotropic gelation, spray drying, emulsification-solvent evaporation, and coacervation, highlighting their application in pharmaceutical sciences.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biomaterials
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Controlled drug release is a key area in pharmaceutical research.
- Polymers offer versatile solutions for drug delivery challenges, including solubility, stability, and permeability.
- Chitosan, a natural polymer derived from chitin, shows significant promise in various applications, including biomedicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of microparticle systems for controlled drug delivery using chitosan.
- To review four primary techniques for encapsulating active substances within chitosan matrices.
Main Methods:
- Ionotropic gelation
- Spray drying
- Emulsification-solvent evaporation
- Coacervation
- Combinations of these techniques to achieve specific microparticle properties.
Main Results:
- These four methods are effective for creating chitosan microparticulate systems for drug encapsulation.
- Chitosan microparticles can be engineered to control the release of drugs, vaccines, antibiotics, and hormones.
- Surface coating can prevent the loss of encapsulated materials.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan microparticles represent a viable and adaptable platform for advanced drug delivery applications.
- The selection of encapsulation technique is crucial for tailoring microparticle performance and achieving desired drug release profiles.
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Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview
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