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Marine Origin Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery Systems
Matias J Cardoso1,2, Rui R Costa3,4, João F Mano5,6
13B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal. matjcardoso@gmail.com.
Marine Drugs
|February 11, 2016
Summary
Marine polysaccharides offer biocompatible and biodegradable materials for advanced biomedical applications. These natural compounds are ideal for developing drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine therapies.
Area of Science:
- Marine biotechnology
- Biomaterials science
- Drug delivery systems
Background:
- Oceans are rich sources of natural compounds with significant biotechnological and biomedical potential.
- Marine polysaccharides, abundant and cost-effective, exhibit favorable solubility and interaction properties.
- Examples include alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan from algae, and chitosan, hyaluronan from animal sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of marine polysaccharides as raw materials for biomedical applications.
- To highlight the unique properties of marine polysaccharides for device construction.
- To review their use in drug delivery and advanced therapies.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and characterization of marine polysaccharides.
- Modification of polysaccharides for tailored properties.
- Fabrication of carrier devices like particles, capsules, and hydrogels.
- Evaluation of biological properties (biocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial).
Main Results:
- Marine polysaccharides possess key biological properties: biocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.
- These materials can be modified for specific processing into various shapes and sizes.
- They demonstrate responsiveness to external stimuli like pH and temperature.
- Successful application in constructing drug carrier devices for controlled release.
Conclusions:
- Marine polysaccharides are versatile biomaterials with substantial promise for biomedical innovations.
- Their inherent properties and modifiability make them suitable for drug delivery, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine.
- Harnessing marine resources can lead to cost-effective and impactful biomedical solutions.
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