Alginate Particles as Platform for Drug Delivery by the Oral Route: State-of-the-Art

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Materials Science
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Pharmaceutical research prioritizes safety, quality, and efficacy.
• Pharmaceutical Materials Science systematically studies material properties for product performance.
• The oral route is preferred for drug administration, but mucus presents a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of alginate microparticles and nanoparticles for oral drug delivery.
• To discuss the future perspectives of alginate-based mucoadhesive systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on alginate microparticles and nanoparticles for oral drug delivery.
• Analysis of alginate properties relevant to mucoadhesion and drug delivery.

Main Results:

• Alginates exhibit excellent cytocompatibility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
• Alginates possess sol-gel transition properties and chemical versatility for tailored modifications.
• Alginate micro/nanoparticles demonstrate potential for prolonged residence time via mucoadhesion.

Conclusions:

• Alginate microparticles and nanoparticles are highly promising mucoadhesive biomaterials for oral drug administration.
• Further research into alginate-based systems can significantly advance oral drug delivery strategies.