Multiple Roles of Chitosan in Mucosal Drug Delivery: An Updated Review

Area of Science:

• Biopolymer Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Chitosan (CS) is a naturally abundant polysaccharide derived from chitin, known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mucoadhesive properties.
• Its cationic nature enables strong molecular interactions and confers intrinsic antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic activities.
• Despite challenges like pH-dependent solubility, CS and its derivatives are extensively researched for pharmaceutical applications, especially in drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of chitosan and its derivatives in pharmaceutical applications.
• To focus on novel formulations for mucosal drug delivery routes.
• To highlight CS's potential in overcoming limitations of conventional oral drug administration.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on chitosan and drug delivery.
• Analysis of studies focusing on chitosan-based formulations for mucosal administration.
• Synthesis of information regarding the properties and applications of chitosan derivatives.

Main Results:

• Chitosan exhibits favorable characteristics for drug delivery, including film, hydrogel, and nanoparticle formation.
• Its mucoadhesive and permeation-enhancing capabilities are advantageous for mucosal drug delivery.
• CS derivatives offer potential solutions to overcome solubility and ion sensitivity issues.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan and its derivatives are versatile biomaterials for advanced drug delivery systems.
• The mucosal route, utilizing chitosan-based formulations, presents a promising non-invasive alternative to oral drug administration.
• Further research into chitosan applications can enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.