Chitosan Based Delivery Systems on a Length Scale: Nano to Macro

Abstract

In recent years, chitosan, a biocompatible natural polymer, having a cellulosic backbone has gained importance in various biomedical applications like wound healing, tissue engineering, surface modifications of implantable devices, and drug delivery. This may be attributed to the versatile chemistry of the polymer. Various chitosan-mediated delivery systems have been developed to improve the bioavailability of drug(s) and be categorized either as nanoparticulate, microparticulate, or macro delivery systems. All these delivery systems have their own advantages and limitation as a delivery vehicle. This review gives an overview of the chitosan-based drug delivery systems.

Keywords:

• Chitosan
• Hydrogels
• Microparticle
• Nanoparticle

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support received from National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India during the completion of the review article.