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Joseph Laubach1, Meerab Joseph2, Timothy Brenza3
1Department of Chemistry, Biology and Health Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA; BuG ReMeDEE Consortium, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA.
Abstract:
Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) exhibit diverse functionalities and offer a variety of structural options that can be altered to fit a specific purpose. EPSs can degrade within the body via biological processes, and polysaccharides are regarded as generally safe. More so, microbial EPS is replicable from several known, inexpensive, and plentiful sources. Drug delivery-related research involving polysaccharides have continuously cited minimal to zero cytotoxicity and, where tested, sufficient drug release and a competent release profile. Transdermal drug delivery systems as films not only avoids first-pass metabolism, but also provides pain-free administration, assists patients with dysphagia, has increased patient compliance, can be self-administered, and can be removed at any time. Commonly used synthetic polymers in the field of drug delivery have been related to problems regarding toxicity and immunogenicity, escalating the need for an alternative. Ultimately, the risks while using synthetic polymers could result in serious negative influences involving physiological, physiochemical, and molecular events. Research involving exopolysaccharides from extremophiles is only recently gaining attention. However, commercial use of microbial polysaccharides in other areas as well as the positive results from preliminary research suggests microbial EPSs have a promising future in biomedical engineering and medicine, especially as an alternative to current synthetic polymers.
Insights
Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) offer a safe, effective, and sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers for drug delivery. Their biocompatibility and tunable properties make them ideal for advanced biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are versatile biopolymers with tunable structures and inherent safety.
- Polysaccharides are generally safe, biodegradable, and can be sourced affordably.
- Synthetic polymers used in drug delivery present toxicity and immunogenicity concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) as a viable alternative to synthetic polymers in drug delivery.
- To highlight the potential of EPSs in transdermal drug delivery systems.
- To underscore the benefits of EPSs in overcoming limitations of current synthetic materials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbial exopolysaccharides in drug delivery.
- Analysis of EPS properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and source availability.
- Comparison of EPS-based systems with conventional synthetic polymer systems.
Main Results:
- Microbial EPSs demonstrate minimal to zero cytotoxicity and favorable drug release profiles.
- Transdermal delivery systems using EPSs offer advantages like avoiding first-pass metabolism and improving patient compliance.
- EPSs derived from extremophiles are an emerging area of research with significant potential.
Conclusions:
- Microbial exopolysaccharides present a promising, safe, and sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers for drug delivery applications.
- EPSs offer significant advantages for transdermal drug delivery, enhancing efficacy and patient experience.
- Further research into extremophile-derived EPSs could unlock novel biomedical engineering and medical applications.
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