Chitosan nanoparticles: Current aspects

Abstract

Nanoparticles are currently becoming one of the important parts for various segments. Much more process/application becomes effective or more economical and time-saving because of nanoparticles. Polymers with distinct characteristics are widely used but nature-origin polymer has important properties that make a polymeric material for nanoparticles. Many methods were successfully evaluated to prepare chitosan nanoparticles for loading various compounds including ionotropic gelation, micelles, and emulsification methods. In this article, we have reviewed the current aspects made-up of chitosan nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles have an application to improve bioavailability, controlled release of the loaded drug also increases cellular uptake and targeting to cancer cells, stabilization of proteins, and enhanced the effectivity of anti-microbial agents. In agriculture, chitosan nanoparticles are used for herbicides, insecticides, and pesticide loading to improve the cultivation of crops and are used in food packaging. Chitosan nanoparticles also have wide applications as implant and therapeutic agent.