Chitosan microspheres in novel drug delivery systems

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Conventional drug delivery systems exhibit fluctuations in drug concentration, leading to under/over-medication and poor patient compliance.
• Drug degradation, loss, side effects, and bioavailability issues necessitate advanced drug delivery systems.
• Drug targeting aims to deliver therapeutic agents specifically to the site of action, enhancing efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the preparation and characterization of chitosan microspheres for novel drug delivery systems.
• To highlight chitosan's advantages as a natural polymer carrier over synthetic alternatives.
• To explore various microencapsulation techniques using chitosan.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan, derived from chitin, is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic natural polymer.
• Chitosan's cationic nature facilitates the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes with polyanions.
• Microencapsulation techniques discussed include ionotropic gelation, spray drying, and emulsion phase separation.

Main Results:

• Chitosan is a promising natural polymer for creating microspheres and nanospheres.
• Various methods are available for chitosan microencapsulation, including ionotropic gelation and spray drying.
• Chitosan microspheres demonstrate potential in enhancing drug delivery systems.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan microspheres represent a viable and advantageous platform for novel drug delivery.
• The biocompatibility and biodegradability of chitosan make it an attractive alternative to synthetic polymers.
• Further research into chitosan-based drug delivery systems is warranted to optimize therapeutic efficacy.