Exopolysaccharide and biopolymer-derived films as tools for transdermal drug delivery

• Published in: Journal of controlled release Vol. 329; pp. 971 - 987
• Main Authors: Laubach, Joseph, Joseph, Meerab, Brenza, Timothy, Gadhamshetty, Venkata, Sani, Rajesh K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 10.01.2021
• Subjects: Biopolymer; Drug delivery; Exopolysaccharide application; Extremophile; Polymeric materials; Polymeric materials; Drug delivery; Exopolysaccharide application; Extremophile; Biopolymer
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.027

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) exhibit diverse functionalities and offer a variety of structural options that can be altered to fit a specific purpose. EPSs can degrade within the body via biological processes, and polysaccharides are regarded as generally safe. More so, microbial EPS is replicable from several known, inexpensive, and plentiful sources. Drug delivery-related research involving polysaccharides have continuously cited minimal to zero cytotoxicity and, where tested, sufficient drug release and a competent release profile. Transdermal drug delivery systems as films not only avoids first-pass metabolism, but also provides pain-free administration, assists patients with dysphagia, has increased patient compliance, can be self-administered, and can be removed at any time. Commonly used synthetic polymers in the field of drug delivery have been related to problems regarding toxicity and immunogenicity, escalating the need for an alternative. Ultimately, the risks while using synthetic polymers could result in serious negative influences involving physiological, physiochemical, and molecular events. Research involving exopolysaccharides from extremophiles is only recently gaining attention. However, commercial use of microbial polysaccharides in other areas as well as the positive results from preliminary research suggests microbial EPSs have a promising future in biomedical engineering and medicine, especially as an alternative to current synthetic polymers. [Display omitted]