Abstract
In recent years, the biopolymer-based polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) have being investigated for the purpose of drug and gene delivery. The non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature of the natural polymers has compelled the researchers to find alternative materials for drug delivery. Cationic polyelectrolytes like chitosan, gelatin, polyethyleneimine and poly(l-lysine) could form PECs through electrostatic interactions, with the oppositely charged natural polyanions. The network structures of the PECs can be modulated with variation of pH, molecular weight of PEC components, order of mixing, ionic strength, etc. The strength of PECs can be further improved by cross-linking reaction with metallic or inorganic salts. Various anionic biopolymers including sodium alginate, pectin, gellan, gum kondagogu have been evaluated for their potential impact in controlling the delivery of therapeutic molecules. Because the polyelectrolyte complexation occurs mostly in aqueous systems, this process is environment-friendly and does not require toxic organic solvents for the production of PECs. The variation in the ratio of PEC components could monitor the swelling and, consequently, the delivery of drugs. Encouraging physicochemical properties and bioactivity of the PECs has prompted us to gain an insight into recent advances in drug delivery applications of hydrogel PECs particles based on natural polysaccharides.
Published Version
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