Extraction, Modification, and Characterization of Natural Polymers Used in Transdermal Drug Delivery System: An Updated Review

Abstract

The modified/regulated drug delivery system helps to sustain the delivery of the drug for a prolonged period. The modified drug delivery system is primarily aimed at ensuring protection, the effectiveness of the drug, and patient compliance. The transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) falls within the modified drug delivery system, in which the goal is to deliver the drug at a fixed dose and regulated rate through the skin. Polymers are the backbone of the framework for providing transdermal systems. The polymer should be stable, non-toxic, economical, and provide a sustainable release of the drug. In general, natural polymers used in the TDDS as rate-controlling agents, protective, and stabilizing agents and also used to minimize the frequency of dosing and improve the drug’s effectiveness by localizing at the site of action. Nowadays, manufacturers are likely to use natural polymers due to many issues associated with drug release and side effects with synthetic polymers. Drug release processes from natural polymers include oxidation, diffusion, and swelling. Natural polymers may be used as the basis to achieve predetermined drug distribution throughout the body. The use of natural materials for traditional and modern types of dosage forms are gums, mucilages, resins, and plant waste etc. Thus, the main objective of this review article is to give a brief knowledge about the extraction, modification, characterization, and biomedical application of conventional natural polymers used in the transdermal drug delivery system and their future prospective.

Formulation design and physicochemical evaluation of an anti-inflammatory hydrogel patch containing Crinum asiaticum L. extract

“…In contrast, F5 (high carrageenan proportion) and F6 (high locust bean gum proportion) showed a lower cumulative lycorine release. Carrageenan and locust bean gum are often used as a thickening and stabilizing agent ( 44 ) which has revealed that an increase in the concentration of locust bean gum decreases the cumulative percent drug release with a sustained release ( 45 46 ). Kaur et al .…”

Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications

“…The mucilage is separated from water by adding alcohol, typically absolute ethanol, as it provides a higher yield than ethanol: water mixture precipitates faster. Ethanol is also preferred because it is eco-friendly and FDA-approved [ 32 , 74 ]. Other solvents like acetone and methanol are also used for mucilage precipitation.…”

“…Later, the dried mucilage was separated from the seeds by passing it through № 18 mesh, and the seed husks were removed by winnowing. Some people prefer to freeze-dry the mucilage instead of heating it ( Figure 10 ) [ 32 , 74 ].…”

Formulation and Evaluation of <i>Amomum sublatum</i> Leaf Oil Incorporated Pluronic Matrix Type Transdermal Patches in Percutaneous Absorption

“…A slow stir with a magnetic stirring was then added 20% w/w of the total weight of the polymers to the homogenous dispersion. The consistent dispersion was cast on the previously cast Polyvinyl alcohol backing membrane and air-dried at room temperature 6 . Formulations were removed from the mould.…”