Chitosan Nanoparticles as an Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Systematic Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced joint function. There are many variations of conventional therapies that exist, however, none proven to halt or reverse cartilage degradation. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, has emerged as a promising candidate in OA treatment due to its chondroprotective properties, and ability to enhance chondrocyte proliferation and suppress inflammatory mediators. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), which offer a novel and effective approach for addressing the limitations associated with standard chitosan formulations, such as poor solubility and limited tissue penetration. Chitosan NPs have demonstrated superior bioavailability, sustained drug release, and targeted delivery, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes in preclinical models. This review explores evidence-based the therapeutic potential of chitosan NPs in the management of knee osteoarthritis, focusing on their role in cartilage regeneration and drug delivery.