Cellulose-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Lung Disorders

Abstract

AbstractPolymer-based drug delivery strategies have drawn a lot of attention over the past two decades. Recent years have seen a rise in research related to natural biopolymer-based drug delivery techniques. However, functionalization seems to be challenging due to their intricate network structure and intramolecular interactions. Respiratory disease is a leading cause of death with a serious danger to one’s quality of life and life expectancy. Respiratory disorders like tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease require proper management and treatment. Natural polymers are particularly promising in the field of drug delivery systems due to their biological characteristics, such as sustainability and chemical flexibility. Cellulose is a natural polymer that is affordable, renewable, and available from a variety of sources. Literature cites unique qualities of cellulose and cellulose-based derivatives being explored for various drug delivery applications. Natural cellulose has intrinsic repeating glucose subunits and hydrogen bonds within the fibrillar structure that contribute to its high mechanical strength, crystallinity, and biocompatibility. Several cellulose-based systems with variable mechanical characteristics and compositions are also explored for lung disorders. This chapter will discuss the progress and future possibilities of cellulose and its derivative-based drug delivery in respiratory illnesses.KeywordsPolysaccharideFibersCelluloseRespiratoryNanoformulationsInhalers