Development of a Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel Drug Delivery System (DDS): An Update

Abstract

Delivering a drug to the target site with minimal-to-no off-target cytotoxicity is the major determinant for the success of disease therapy. While the therapeutic efficacy and cytotoxicity of the drug play the main roles, the use of a suitable drug delivery system (DDS) is important to protect the drug along the administration route and release it at the desired target site. Polysaccharides have been extensively studied as a biomaterial for DDS development due to their high biocompatibility. More usefully, polysaccharides can be crosslinked with various molecules such as micro/nanoparticles and hydrogels to form a modified DDS. According to IUPAC, hydrogel is defined as the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks and inorganic–organic hybrids. This 3D network which often consists of a hydrophilic polymer can drastically improve the physical and chemical properties of DDS to increase the biodegradability and bioavailability of the carrier drugs. The advancement of nanotechnology also allows the construction of hydrogel DDS with enhanced functionalities such as stimuli-responsiveness, target specificity, sustained drug release, and therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a current update on the use of hydrogel DDS derived from polysaccharide-based materials in delivering various therapeutic molecules and drugs. We also highlighted the factors that affect the efficacy of these DDS and the current challenges of developing them for clinical use.

Polysaccharide-Based Edible Gels as Functional Ingredients: Characterization, Applicability, and Human Health Benefits

“…These compounds can form cross-links with protein side chains or with amino groups present in chitosan, for example. However, alginic acid, a polysaccharide from brown seaweeds, has been used to cross-link collagen films, while di- and polycarboxylic acids, such as citric acid, may be used as cross-linking agents for polysaccharide films [ 30 ]. The gelation process is defined as the gradual cross-linking of polymer chains inside the reaction system to form a single enormous molecule of “infinite” size [ 31 ].…”

3D Printing Technologies in Biosensors Production: Recent Developments

“…The chemical, physical, and biological properties of these polymers ensure their high biocompatibility, activity, and reduced enzymatic degradability. Moreover, the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, and other hydrophilic chemical groups allows for drug interaction and a series of multiple applications [70]. As a consequence, these active materials have been used for different applications, such as regenerative medicine, drug delivery, treatment of infected wounds, and eco-friendly water purification systems [70][71][72][73].…”

“…Moreover, the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, and other hydrophilic chemical groups allows for drug interaction and a series of multiple applications [70]. As a consequence, these active materials have been used for different applications, such as regenerative medicine, drug delivery, treatment of infected wounds, and eco-friendly water purification systems [70][71][72][73]. Moreover, printable biomaterials can interact with cells by physical and chemical binding at different levels, from individual cells up to a single molecule as a function of time and system dimension [74].…”

Microneedle-Based Natural Polysaccharide for Drug Delivery Systems (DDS): Progress and Challenges

“…Polysaccharides are a class of biopolymers that influences the biological functions of living organisms, including structural support, energy storage, lubrication, and cell signal transduction [1,2]. Following recent discoveries on the novel role of biopolymers in medicine and pharmacy [3], the use of natural polysaccharides for pharmaceutical applications is now commonplace [4].…”