An Overview of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Its Application in Non-Parenteral Drug Delivery

Abstract

The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the chitosan based nanoparticles for various non-parenteral applications and also to put a spotlight on current research including sustained release and mucoadhesive chitosan dosage forms. Chitosan is a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer regarded as safe for human dietary use and approved for wound dressing applications. Chitosan has been used as a carrier in polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery through various routes of administration. Chitosan has chemical functional groups that can be modified to achieve specific goals, making it a polymer with a tremendous range of potential applications. Nanoparticles (NP) prepared with chitosan and chitosan derivatives typically possess a positive surface charge and mucoadhesive properties such that can adhere to mucus membranes and release the drug payload in a sustained release manner. Chitosan-based NP have various applications in non-parenteral drug delivery for the treatment of cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, pulmonary diseases, drug delivery to the brain and ocular infections which will be exemplified in this review. Chitosan shows low toxicity both in vitro and some in vivo models. This review explores recent research on chitosan based NP for non-parenteral drug delivery, chitosan properties, modification, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and preclinical studies.

Temperature stimuli‐responsive nanoparticles from chitosan‐graft‐poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) as a drug delivery system

“…Indeed, this parameter is slightly lower for the copolymer nanoparticles due to the grafting of PVCL chains on some amino groups of the chitosan backbone. The positive charge of these nanoparticles could promote cellular uptake of the anticancer drug due to the negatively charged plasma membrane of the living cells, and thus a high electrostatic affinity to the positively charged nanoparticles could be expected …”

Combined effect of parathyroid hormone and strontium ranelate on bone healing in ovariectomized rats

“…F6 tablet containing 15 mg SR plus 35 mg poloxamer (1.9 mm thickness, 5 mm diameter, 21 N hardness) was found suitable as an implant tablet, due to its maximum hardness, which indicates its ability to maintain release of PTH for longer periods. In general, drug release depends on the type of polymer, internal bonding, any additives (chitosan derivatives), as well as the shape and size of the particles as this reflects surface area and free energy (Mohammed, Syeda, Wasan, & Wasan, ). Cross‐linking agents, such as chitosan, are usually added to increase the hardness of the obtained particles in order to extend the drug release (Ahmed & Aljaeid, ).…”

Organic and inorganic nanoparticle vaccines for prevention of infectious diseases

“…Chitosan is nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. Chitosan can be formed into nanoparticles for controlled release and targeted delivery of antigens and immunoadjuvants in mucosal administration of vaccine [48]. Through the interactions between the positive charges of the chitosancontaining nanovesicles and the negative charged cellular membrane of the epithelium, the adsorption of the polymeric nanoparticles is enhanced from nasal and intestinal mucosa to significantly induce immune response.…”