Modified polysaccharides for drug delivery

Abstract

In recent decades, polysaccharides have come to play an important role in pharmaceutical science, among them in the domain of nanotechnology. As a result, there is an increased interest in their isolation, synthesis, modification, characterization, and application in this relevant new topic in nanotechnology. This has led to the use of modified polysaccharides in changing nanocomposite morphology and properties. Delivery of hydrophobic molecules, drugs, and proteins is difficult due to poor bioavailability following administration. Thus, modifications to natural polymeric carrier systems are being investigated to improve drug solubility, stability, and induced toxicity. Due to problems of toxicity and immunogenicity, natural modified polysaccharides are being explored as substitutes for synthetic polymers in the development of new drug-delivery systems, such as coating or copolymer material. By conjugating different entities to the polysaccharide backbone, resultant materials can be used for preparing self-assembled micelles, coating polymeric microspheres, and self-reorganized nanostructures, improving drug release in tumoral areas.