Chapter 20 - Chitosan-based nanoparticulate systems for oral drug delivery

Abstract

In the recent years, there has been a considerable research interest on biopolymer-based nanoparticles for oral delivery of various kinds of drugs. Nanoparticles are solid colloidal particles (10–1000 nm) in which active drug molecules can be entrapped. The size and surface properties of nanoparticles and presence of site-specific ligands dramatically influence their body distribution and targeting attitude. The biodegradable nanoparticles can provide a further control over drug release rates and avoids the problems related to the removal of the delivery device after drug depletion. Chitosan is a cationic, biocompatible, and biodegradable natural polymer, obtained by alkaline deacetylation of chitin. It is an extensively studied biomaterial in the field of drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering, and food technology. Due to mucoadhesive property, chitosan nanoparticles can enhance oral bioavailability of drugs due to their increased residence time within the gastrointestinal tract and increased contact time with the intestinal epithelium cells, thereby increasing their uptake. This purpose of the chapter is to discuss various methods in the preparation of chitosan-based nanoparticles, the structural modifications of chitosan, and the latest developments in the field of oral drug delivery.