Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles as Effective Drug Delivery Systems—A review

Abstract

Chitosan-based nanoparticles (chitosan-based nanocomposites; chitosan nanoparticles; ChNPs) are promising materials that are receiving a lot of attention in the last decades. ChNPs have great potential as nanocarriers. They are able to encapsulate drugs as well as active compounds and deliver them to a specific place in the body providing a controlled release. In the article, an overview has been made of the most frequently used preparation methods, and the developed applications in medicine. The presentation of the most important information concerning ChNPs, especially chitosan’s properties in drug delivery systems (DDS), as well as the method of NPs production was quoted. Additionally, the specification and classification of the NPs’ morphological features determined their application together with the methods of attaching drugs to NPs. The latest scientific reports of the DDS using ChNPs administered orally, through the eye, on the skin and transdermally were taken into account.

Synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals from spinach waste for insulin delivery: comparison to chitosan nanoparticles

“…Regarding the IChNs, the mechanism of drug loading in the ChNs occurs through an incorporation process in which a kind of entanglement happens between the chitosan chains and insulin during the crosslinking process. 39,40 During the incorporation process, the drug interacts with the chitosan electrostatically too. 41 Considering Fig.…”

Trends in biopolymer science applied to cosmetics

“…In this respect, some researchers have proposed nanoparticles of chitosan to be applied cutaneous or for transdermal skin delivery systems. The main findings were non‐toxicity to human fibroblasts, ability to penetrate pig skin and accumulate in the dermis or in the hair follicles [85, 86]. Moreover, findings of chitosan nanoparticles promoting skin wound healing are also well documented [87, 88].…”

Capitalization of Graphene/Chitosan Nanocomposites as Intriguing Vehicles for Targeted Anti‐Cancer Drug Delivery

“…Additionally, their biocompatibility and biodegradability make them suitable for biomedical applications. [102,103] However, challenges arise in terms of their preparation complexity, limited long-term stability, and potential incompatibility with physiological conditions, even though the systems discussed in this review article were generally tested negative for cytotoxicity. Furthermore, their scalability, large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approval remain significant hurdles that could compromise their clinical translation.…”