Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025

Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
Mechanism and Application of Chitosan and Its Derivatives in Promoting Permeation in Transdermal Drug Delivery
Jinqian Ma1, Yuchen Wang1, Rong Lu1
1Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China.
Abstract:
The mechanisms and applications of chitosan and its derivatives in transdermal drug delivery to promote drug permeation were reviewed in this paper. Specifically, we summarized the permeation-promoting mechanisms of chitosan and several of its derivatives, including changing the structure of stratum corneum proteins, acting on the tight junction of granular layers, affecting intercellular lipids, and increasing the water content of stratum corneum. These mechanisms are the reason why chitosan and its derivatives can increase the transdermal permeation of drugs. In addition, various transdermal preparations containing chitosan and its derivatives were summarized, and their respective advantages were expounded, including nanoparticles, emulsions, transdermal microneedles, nanocapsules, transdermal patches, transdermal membranes, hydrogels, liposomes, and nano-stents. The purpose of this review is to provide a theoretical basis for the further and wider application of chitosan in transdermal drug delivery systems. In the future, research results of chitosan and its derivatives in transdermal drug delivery need more support from in vivo experiments, as well as good correlation between in vitro and in vivo experiments. In conclusion, the excellent permeability-promoting property, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability of chitosan and its derivatives make them ideal materials for local transdermal drug delivery.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Drug Permeability, Stability and Stereochemistry
Mechanisms of Drug Absorption: Paracellular, Transcellular, and Vesicular Transport
However, most drugs use the transcellular route, traversing directly through the cell membranes via two mechanisms: passive and active transport. Passive...
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Cellular Membranes and Drug Transport
Phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer, with hydrophilic heads oriented outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Drug Dissolution
Drug Absorption Mechanism: Passive Membrane Transport

