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Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
Chitosan: a potential polymer for colon-specific drug delivery system
Arvind Gulbake1, Sanjay K Jain
1Pharmaceutics Research Projects Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Dr Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar-470 003 (MP), India.
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|April 26, 2012
Summary
Chitosan (CH) is a natural polymer with unique properties for colon drug delivery. Further research into CH formulations with targeting moieties can enhance therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Growing interest in natural polymers for colon drug delivery.
- Chitosan (CH), a cationic polysaccharide, offers unique properties for therapeutic bioactive delivery.
- CH is recognized for its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and bioadhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review chitosan-based formulations for colon-specific drug delivery.
- To highlight the potential of CH in delivering drugs, peptides, proteins, and genes to the colon.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in CH-based colon delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on chitosan formulations for colon delivery.
- Analysis of various CH-based dosage forms including tablets, capsules, beads, gels, microparticles, and nanoparticles.
- Focus on the development of colon-specific drug delivery strategies using CH.
Main Results:
- CH enables sustained and controlled drug release through various formulations.
- CH is a versatile excipient for colon delivery applications.
- The colon is an optimal absorption site for protein and peptide drugs when delivered via CH formulations.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan's properties make it ideal for sustained/controlled release, biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioadhesive applications.
- Limited chitosan solubility at higher pH affects mucoadhesiveness, posing a challenge for colon delivery.
- Future research should explore novel targeting moieties with CH formulations to improve site-specific delivery and bioavailability.
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