Chitosan-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems: a review on two decades of research

• Published in: Journal of drug targeting Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 379 - 393
• Main Authors: Naskar, Sweet, Kuotsu, Ketousetuo, Sharma, Suraj
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 21.04.2019
• Subjects: Chitosan nanocomplexes; Chitosan nanoparticles; Derivatives of Chitosan nanoparticles; drug delivery; Pharmaceutical applications; Pharmaceutical applications; Derivatives of Chitosan nanoparticles; Chitosan nanocomplexes; Chitosan nanoparticles; drug delivery
• ISSN: 1061-186X; 1029-2330; 1029-2330
• DOI: 10.1080/1061186X.2018.1512112

Chitosan (CS) is one of the most functional natural biopolymer widely used in the pharmaceutical field due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. These privileges lead to its application in the synthesis of nanoparticles for the drug during the last two decades. This article gives rise to a general review of the different chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) preparation techniques: Ionic gelation, emulsion cross-linking, spray-drying, emulsion-droplet coalescence method, nanoprecipitation, reverse micellar method, desolvation method, modified ionic gelation with radial polymerisation and emulsion solvent diffusion, from the point of view of the methodological and mechanistic aspects involved. The physicochemical behaviour of CSNPs including drug loading, drug release, particles size, zeta potential and stability are briefly discussed. This review also directs to bring an outline of the major applications of CSNPs in drug delivery according to drug and route of administration. Finally, derivatives of CSNPs and CS nano-complexes are also discussed.