Natural Gums in Drug-Loaded Micro- and Nanogels

Abstract

Gums are polysaccharide compounds obtained from natural sources, such as plants, algae and bacteria. Because of their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as their ability to swell and their sensitivity to degradation by the colon microbiome, they are regarded as interesting potential drug carriers. In order to obtain properties differing from the original compounds, blends with other polymers and chemical modifications are usually applied. Gums and gum-derived compounds can be applied in the form of macroscopic hydrogels or can be formulated into particulate systems that can deliver the drugs via different administration routes. In this review, we present and summarize the most recent studies regarding micro- and nanoparticles obtained with the use of gums extensively investigated in pharmaceutical technology, their derivatives and blends with other polymers. This review focuses on the most important aspects of micro- and nanoparticulate systems formulation and their application as drug carriers, as well as the challenges related to these formulations.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds from Herbs and Nutraceuticals in Alleviating Neurological Disorders: Targeting the Wnt Signaling Pathway

“…However, the introduction of innovative delivery systems, such as drug-loaded nanoparticles or mucus formulations designed to improve the neuroavailability of the drug, may overcome this problem. 216 Furthermore, nasal−brain delivery represents a noninvasive method to bypass the BBB by delivering complex drugs to the CNS, either directly or via nanocapsules. 217 In addition, local drug delivery in the brain using nanoengineered drug release implants or hydrogel-based biomaterials has also been proposed to bypass the BBB and combat neurological disorders.…”

“…One is that some natural compounds have limited their clinical use due to their inability to specifically cross the BBB or low brain bioavailability. However, the introduction of innovative delivery systems, such as drug-loaded nanoparticles or mucus formulations designed to improve the neuroavailability of the drug, may overcome this problem . Furthermore, nasal–brain delivery represents a noninvasive method to bypass the BBB by delivering complex drugs to the CNS, either directly or via nanocapsules .…”

Development And Formulation Of Drug-Loaded Hydrogel For Skin Regenerative Potential

“…The use of alginate in wound dressings has demonstrated positive outcomes in promoting effective skin tissue healing and regeneration. Alginate-based materials loaded with nanoparticles have also been studied for their potential to support skin regeneration and enhance wound healing processes [32] [33].…”

Review on nanogels and their applications on dermal therapy

“…163 Currently to develop alginate-based materials, the nanoparticle related mostly silver-loaded nanoparticles studies show the composite are potentially advantageous in wound healing process. 164 On transdermal studies done nanogels were studied for ocular diseases, see for an example the eye drops and ointments used for topical therapy for ocular diseases have bioactivity of 5%. 165 Nanogels from different polymers have been and continues to be studied for application in different ocular diseases.…”