Polysaccharides, due to their outstanding properties, have attracted the attention of researchers, working in the biomedical field and especially of those working in drug delivery. Modified/functionalized polysaccharides further increase the importance for various applications. Delivery of therapeutics for diverse ailments in different endocrine glands and hormones safely, is a focal point of researchers working in the field. Among the routes followed, the transdermal route is preferred due to non‐exposure of active moieties to the harsh gastric environment and first‐pass metabolism. This review starts with the overview of polysaccharides used for the delivery of various therapeutic agents. Advantages of polysaccharides used in the transdermal route are addressed in detail. Types of polysaccharides will be elaborated through examples, and in this context, special emphasis will be on the polysaccharides being used for synthesis of the membranes/films. Techniques employed for their modification to design novel carriers for therapeutics delivery will also be discussed. The review will end with a brief discussion on recent developments and future perspectives for delivery of therapeutic agents, and vaccine development.
Polysaccharides are an important element in several fields such as endocrinology, drug delivery, and vaccine. This Importance comes from their biocompatibility, safety, and cost efficiency. Moreover, the ability to chemically modify and functionalize polysaccharides with a large spectrum of functional groups expands their usability. In addition, chemical modifications of polysaccharide can alter their physicochemical properties. For these reasons, researchers have studied distinct features of modified polysaccharides to perfect their properties and better their pharmacological actions. For more details see the Review by A. Elaissar et al. on 8437 ff.
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