Polysaccharide-Based Coatings as Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Therapeutic polysaccharide-based coatings have recently emerged as versatile strategies to transform a conventional medical implant into a drug delivery system. However, the translation of these polysaccharide-based coatings into the clinic as drug delivery systems still requires a deeper understanding of their drug degradation/release profiles. This claim is supported by little or no data. In this review paper, a comprehensive description of the benefits and challenges generated by the polysaccharide-based coatings is provided. Moreover, the latest advances made towards the application of the most important representative coatings based on polysaccharide types for drug delivery are debated. Furthermore, suggestions/recommendations for future research to speed up the transition of polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems from the laboratory testing to clinical applications are given.

Protein-Based Films and Coatings: An Innovative Approach

“…They offer the potential to improve the biocompatibility and stability of medical devices and implants when used as coatings. Protein-based films and coatings have emerged as promising carriers for controlled drug delivery [127,128]. They can encapsulate and protect drugs, enabling precise release kinetics and targeted delivery to specific sites in the body.…”