Chitosan Nanoparticles as Oral Drug Carriers

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Oral drug administration is prevalent but faces challenges like poor bioavailability and first-pass metabolism.
• Nanoparticles offer potential solutions for controlled drug release and improved therapeutic outcomes.
• Chitosan, a natural biodegradable polymer, possesses unique properties suitable for drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of chitosan nanoparticles for oral drug delivery.
• To highlight the mechanisms of chitosan nanoparticle formation.
• To discuss the advantages of chitosan-based systems in enhancing oral drug efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on chitosan nanoparticles for oral delivery.
• Analysis of chitosan's physicochemical properties relevant to nanoparticle formulation.
• Synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles via various established methods.

Main Results:

• Chitosan nanoparticles effectively encapsulate and transport drugs.
• These nanoparticles enhance drug interaction with target cells, improving efficacy.
• Biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential for controlled oral drug release.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan nanoparticles represent a viable strategy to overcome limitations of oral drug delivery.
• Their ability to improve bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy makes them highly promising.
• Further research into chitosan nanoparticle applications can advance pharmaceutical treatments.