Chitosan: A Biodegradable and Biocompatible Carrier for Drug Delivery Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1071/ejmbs.v5i1.26Keywords:
Biocompatibility, Biodegradability, Chitosan, Controlled drug release, Drug delivery systemAbstract
Chitosan, a natural biopolymer generated from chitin, has attracted a lot of attention as a versatile carrier in drug delivery systems. The properties of chitosan which include biodegradability, biocompatibility, mucoadhesive properties, pH sensitivity, and capacity to interact with other biopolymers make it an inventive option. These properties allow chitosan-based carriers to adjust Drug release in response to environmental stimuli, improve targeted delivery, and increase drug stability. The chitosan features pertinent to drug delivery are reviewed in this paper, including its pH-dependent solubility, capacity to attach to mucosal surfaces, and enzymatic breakdown into non-toxic metabolites. The effectiveness of key mechanisms, including hydrogel formation and Micro/nanoparticle encapsulation, in preserving therapeutic substances and permitting regulated release is highlighted. Chitosan-based drug delivery system applications in oral, ocular, nasal, pulmonary, wound healing, and cancer therapies are also reviewed. This study highlights the revolutionary role of chitosan in modern medicine by analyzing present problems and new potential. It provides insights into how chitosan can change drug delivery and improve therapeutic efficacy across a range of clinical domains.
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