Gum arabic in drug delivery systems: A route-specific overview and functional insights

Gum Arabic (GA), a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has emerged as a promising biomaterial for drug delivery systems (DDS) due to its high water solubility, emulsifying capacity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Its structural richness in arabinogalactan facilitates strong interactions with biomolecules, enabling the development of various drug formulations including hydrogels, nanoparticles, liposomes, and emulsions. GA-based DDS have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, protecting bioactive compounds from degradation, and enabling sustained and controlled drug release. Moreover, its bioadhesive properties improve drug retention at target sites, thereby augmenting therapeutic efficacy. Recent advances have explored the applications of GA in cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatments, and bioimaging, leveraging its ability to functionalize nanoparticles and conjugate with other polymers. Despite these promising attributes, challenges such as batch-to-batch variability and uncontrolled interactions with formulation components remain critical issues. Addressing these limitations through standardized functionalization strategies and integration with emerging nanotechnologies is essential for optimizing the performance of GA in advanced drug delivery applications. This review systematically discusses the current progress, challenges, and future perspectives of GA-based DDS, highlighting its multifunctional role in pharmaceutical science.