Recent Biomedical Approaches for Chitosan Based Materials as Drug Delivery Nanocarriers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Natural polymers are increasingly used in drug delivery systems (DDSs).
• Chitosan (CS) and its derivatives are highly investigated nanocarriers due to their favorable properties like biodegradability and biocompatibility.
• CS-based materials are fabricated into various forms including nanoparticles, nanofibers, and hydrogels for diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent biomedical approaches utilizing chitosan-based nanocarriers.
• To highlight the potential applications of these nanocarriers in medical and pharmaceutical fields.
• To discuss the advantages and challenges of CS-based nanocarriers for different administration routes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent biomedical approaches for chitosan-based nanocarriers.
• Focus on nanoparticles (NPs), nanofibers (NFs), nanogels (NGs), and chitosan-coated liposomes (LPs).
• Analysis of administration routes including oral, transmucosal, pulmonary, and transdermal.

Main Results:

• Chitosan-based nanocarriers demonstrate significant potential for controlled and targeted drug release.
• Various CS-based nanocarrier types (NPs, NFs, NGs, LPs) are suitable for delivering diverse therapeutic agents.
• Advantages and challenges for different administration routes are identified, comparing them to conventional formulations.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based nanocarriers represent a promising platform for advanced drug delivery.
• Further research into their application across various administration routes can optimize therapeutic outcomes.
• These nanocarriers hold significant potential for future pharmaceutical and medical innovations.