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Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
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Translational Barriers to Pharmaceutical Excipient Readiness in Marine-Derived Polymers
Yedi Herdiana1, Syed Mahmood2,3,4,5, Eli Halimah6
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia.
Polymers
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Marine polymers like chitosan, alginate, and carrageenan show pharmaceutical promise but face hurdles. Achieving consistent quality and manufacturability is key for their routine use as pharmaceutical excipients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Marine-derived polymers offer sustainable alternatives to animal-derived polymers in pharmaceutical formulations.
- Chitosan, alginate, and carrageenan are extensively researched for their biocompatibility and functional versatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the translational barriers hindering the routine use of chitosan, alginate, and carrageenan as pharmaceutical excipients.
- To identify the key challenges in developing these marine polymers for pharmaceutical applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies on marine-derived polymers in pharmaceutical formulation.
- Evaluation of material properties, processing, and formulation context influencing polymer performance.
Main Results:
- Marine polymers' utility is often compromised by source, structure, processing, and formulation-dependent behavior.
- Variability in composition (alginate) and context-dependent rheology (carrageenan) present significant challenges.
- Chitosan's functional benefits can be affected by material requirement responses.
Conclusions:
- The primary obstacle for marine polymers is achieving sufficient control, reproducibility, and manufacturability for reliable excipient use.
- Future research must focus on readiness-based evidence, demonstrating material control, reproducible performance, and viable qualification pathways.
Keywords:
alginatecarrageenanchitosancritical material attributesmarine-derived polymerspharmaceutical excipientsMore Related Videos
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