Delivery Of Active Compounds Research Articles

Reservoir-Type Subcutaneous Implantable Devices Containing Porous Rate Controlling Membranes for Sustained Delivery of Risperidone.

Implantable drug delivery systems are crucial for achieving sustained delivery of active compounds to specific sites or systemic circulation. In this study, a novel reservoir-type implant combining a biodegradable rate-controlling membrane with a drug-containing core prepared using direct compression techniques is developed. The membrane is composed of poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and risperidone (RIS) served as the model drug. Characterization of both membranes and direct compressed pellets includes hardness testing, optical coherence tomography, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and surface morphology observation. In vitro release studies of RIS reveal that higher drug loading in the pellets extended-release duration up to 70days when incorporated into membranes with four layers. Increasing the number of membrane layers slows the release rate further, ranging from 70 to 170days depending on membrane thickness. Biocompatibility studies demonstrate that these implantable devices are non-toxic and biocompatible with cells in vitro. In vivo studies conduct in male Wistar rats demonstrate sustained release of RIS, with plasma levels showing a significant increase post-implantation at a relatively constant rate for up to 49days. These results indicate that the developed implants have the potential to provide long-acting drug delivery to the systemic circulation.

Fabrication and characterization of shellac nanofibers with colon-targeted delivery of quercetin and its anticancer activity

In this study, the feasibility of shellac nanofibers as carrier system for colonic delivery of quercetin was evaluated. Firstly, the nanofibers without and with different amounts (2.5 %, 5.0 %, and 7.5 %) of quercetin were fabricated using pure shellac as a carrier by electrospinning. The morphology of nanofibers was bead-shape confirmed by SEM. FTIR, XRD, and DSC analysis showed that quercetin was encapsulated into shellac nanofibers, forming an amorphous complex. The molecular docking simulation indicated quercetin bound well to shellac through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. These nanofibers had higher thermal stability than pure quercetin, and their surface wettability exhibited a pH-responsive behavior. The loading capacity of quercetin varied from 2.25 % to 6.84 % with the increased amount of quercetin, and it affected the stability of nanofibers in food simulants by measuring the release profiles of quercetin. The shellac nanofibers had high gastrointestinal stability, with a minimum quercetin release of 16.87 % in simulated digestive fluids, while the remaining quercetin was delivered to the colon and was released gradually. Moreover, the nanofibers exerted enhanced anticancer activity against HCT-116 cells by arresting cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and inducing cell apoptosis. Overall, shellac nanofibers are promising materials for colon-targeted delivery of active compounds.

Dissolvable microneedle particles for enhanced topical drug delivery

The stratum corneum presents a significant obstacle to drug delivery within the skin. To address this challenge, researchers have developed a new class of spherical particles known as microneedle particles. These particles are a few millimeters in size and are made of biocompatible materials with micron-sized bumps. The primary purpose of these bumps is to create micropores in the stratum corneum, facilitating the delivery of active compounds to the deeper layers of the skin. In vitro studies on porcine skin have demonstrated that gentle topical application of 30S microneedle particles can significantly enhance the permeability of gentian violet. This enhancement results in a remarkable increase in drug delivery, ranging from one to two orders of magnitude. Moreover, this approach is well-tolerated, low-cost, and simple to perform. Notably, it has been found to enhance drug delivery to the skin, thereby expanding the range of compounds that can be effectively delivered topically.

Preparation, characterization and stability of water-in-oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by acylated EGCG derivatives

Excessive intake of trans and saturated fatty acids from solid fats contributes to the development of chronic diseases. Food-grade water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions for the replacement of trans and saturated fat products, delivery of active compounds and microreactors remain to be further explored. Camellia oil-based W/O Pickering emulsions were prepared using acylated EGCG derivatives with various carbon chain lengths, including EGCG myristate (MYR-E), EGCG palmitate (PAL-E), and EGCG stearate (STEA-E). The acylated EGCG derivatives exhibited a contact angle of 90–100° with water droplets and could theoretically be used as Pickering emulsion stabilizers. The acylated EGCG derivatives were dissolved in the oil phase as needle-like crystals, which stabilized the emulsion against aggregation by adsorption at the oil-water interface. Pickering emulsions developed with STEA-E (PE-STEA) maintained higher stability after three freeze-thaw cycles, with a creaming index (CI) of 0% at oil-water volume ratios greater than 4:6. PE-STEA with varying oil-water volume ratios were stable at room temperature and 4 °C after long-time storage, with a maximum CI of only 1.39%. This study could provide new perspectives on the application of acylated EGCG derivatives and broaden the application of surfactant-free W/O Pickering emulsions in the food industry.

Co-encapsulation of Paprika and Cinnamon Oleoresins by Spray Drying in a Mayonnaise Model: Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids Using in vitro Digestion.

This study aimed to investigate the digestibility and bioaccessibility of spray-dried microparticles co-encapsulating paprika and cinnamon oleoresins using simulated gastrointestinal conditions. It focused on exploring the potential of these co-encapsulated active compounds, which possess diverse technological and functional properties, particularly within a food matrix, in order to enhance their bioavailability. Mayonnaise was selected as the food matrix for its ability to promote the diffusion of carotenoids, as most hydrophobic compounds are better absorbed in the intestine when accompanied by digestible lipids. Model spice mayonnaise, containing 0.5 wt% paprika and cinnamon microparticles content, was formulated in compliance with Brazilian regulations for spices, seasonings, and sauce formulations. Droplet size distribution, optical microscopy and fluorescence microscopy analyses were conducted on the microparticles, model spice mayonnaise, and standard mayonnaise both before and after in vitro gastric and intestinal digestion. Following digestion, all samples demonstrated droplet aggregation and coalescence. Remarkably, dispersed particles (37.40 ± 2.58%) and model spice mayonnaise (17.76 ± 0.07%) showed the highest release rate of free fatty acids (FFAs), indicating efficient lipid digestion. The study found that using mayonnaise as a delivery system significantly increased bioaccessibility (22.7%). This suggests that particles in an aqueous medium have low solubility, while the high lipid composition of mayonnaise facilitates the delivery of active compounds from carotenoids present in paprika and cinnamon oleoresin after digestion.

Microscopic Evidence of the Behavior of pH-sensitive Food-grade Polymeric Delivery Systems

Background: Colon delivery systems are designed for the oral delivery of active compounds in the large intestine. Food-grade copolymers Eudraguard® Biotic (EUGB) and control (EUGC) have been investigated to develop colloidal systems loading natural active ingredients. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the degradation process of these matrices in simulated gastric, intestinal and colonic conditions. Microparticles made of EUGB and EUGC, alone or in combination, were loaded with the model compound resveratrol (RSV). A parallel study was performed on in vitro RSV release and SEM analysis of microparticles kept at different pH values. Results: All systems ensured a limited gastric release of RSV (below 20%), presenting only small pores on the surface of microparticles treated with simulated gastric fluid. EUGB microparticles showed the maximum release in simulated colon fluid (SCF), showing a complete dissolution of the microparticle matrix. The EUGC-based system allowed a prolonged release of RSV over time, and in SCF, it showed only partial degradation. Using mixed EUGB/EUGC matrices, a prolonged RSV release was observed along the intestinal tract. Conclusion: Overall, EUGB and EUGC copolymers were able to modulate and localize the release of entrapped cargo in the small intestine and colon. They could have interesting applications in treating bowel diseases synergistically with other therapeutic strategies.

A Subjective and Objective Assessment of Combined Methods of Applying Chemical Peels and Microneedling in Antiaging Treatments.

Combined methods of applying chemical peels and antioxidants could be an option for skin rejuvenation with no down-time. The penetration of active substances can be enhanced by microneedle mesotherapy. The study was conducted on a group of 20 female volunteers, aged 40-65 years. All volunteers received a series of eight treatments performed every seven days. The whole face was first treated with azelaic acid; following this, the right side received a 40% solution of vitamin C and the left side 10% vitamin C with microneedling. Hydration and skin elasticity were markedly improved, with better results observed on the microneedling side. Melanin and erythema index decreased. No significant side effects were seen. The combination of active ingredients and delivery techniques have great potential to enhance the effectiveness of cosmetic preparations, probably by multidirectional ways of action. In our study, we demonstrated that both 20% azelaic acid + 40% vitamin C treatment and 20% azelaic acid + 10% vitamin C + microneedle mesotherapy efficiently improved the assessed parameters of aging skin. However, the use of microneedling mesotherapy as a means of direct delivery of active compound to the dermis enhanced the effectiveness of the studied preparation.

Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Dry Powder: Characterization and Formulation Considerations.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are lipid-based colloidal systems used for the delivery of active compounds. Although SLNs have many benefits, they show important issues due to physical and chemical instability phenomena during storage. For these reasons, it is highly desirable to have a dried SLN formulation available. Therefore, the aim of the project was to identify suitable methods to obtain a dry powder formulation from an SLN suspension. The nanoparticle suspension was dried using both freeze- and spray-drying techniques. The suitability of these methods in obtaining SLN dry powders was evaluated from the analyses of nanotechnological parameters, system morphology and thermal behavior using differential scanning calorimetry. Results pointed out that both drying techniques, although at different yields, were able to produce an SLN dry powder suitable for pharmaceutical applications. Noteworthily, the freeze-drying of SLNs under optimized conditions led to a dry powder endowed with good reconstitution properties and technological parameters similar to the starting conditions. Moreover, freeze-thaw cycles were carried out as a pretest to study the protective effect of different cryoprotectants (e.g., glucose and mannitol with a concentration ranging from 1% to 10% w/v). Glucose proved to be the most effective in preventing particle growth during freezing, thawing, and freeze-drying processes; in particular, the optimum concentration of glucose was 1% w/v.

Significance of biopolymer-based hydrogels and their applications in agriculture: a review in perspective of synthesis and their degree of swelling for water holding.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks that are hydrophilic and capable of retaining a large amount of water. Hydrogels also can act as vehicles for the controlled delivery of active compounds. Bio-polymers are polymers that are derived from natural sources. Hydrogels prepared from biopolymers are considered non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and cost-effective. Therefore, bio-polymeric hydrogels are being extensively synthesized and used all over the world. Hydrogels based on biopolymers finds important applications in the agricultural field where they are used as soil conditioning agents as they can increase the water retention ability of soil and can act as a carrier of nutrients and other agrochemicals. Hydrogels are also used for the controlled delivery of fertilizer to plants. In this review, bio-polymeric hydrogels based on starch, chitosan, guar gum, gelatin, lignin, and alginate polymer have been discussed in terms of their synthesis method, swelling behavior, and possible agricultural application. The urgency to address water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management in agriculture necessitate the exploration and implementation of innovative solutions. By understanding the synthesis techniques and factors influencing the swelling behavior of these hydrogels, we can unlock their full potential in fostering sustainable agriculture and mitigating the challenges posed by an ever-changing environment.

Enhanced Micro-Channeling System via Dissolving Microneedle to Improve Transdermal Serum Delivery for Various Clinical Skincare Treatments.

Topical liquid formulations, dissolving microneedles (DMNs), and microscale needles composed of biodegradable materials have been widely used for the transdermal delivery of active compounds for skincare. However, transdermal active compound delivery by topical liquid formulation application is inhibited by skin barriers, and the skincare efficacy of DMNs is restricted by the low encapsulation capacity and incomplete insertion. In this study, topical serum application via a dissolvable micro-channeling system (DMCS) was used to enhance serum delivery through micro-channels embedded with DMNs. Transdermal serum delivery was evaluated after the topical-serum-only application and combinatorial serum application by assessing the intensity of allophycocyanin (APC) loaded with the serum in the porcine skin. APC intensity was significantly higher in the skin layer at a depth of 120-270 μm upon combinatorial serum application as compared to topical-serum-only application. In addition, the combinatorial serum application showed significantly improved efficacy in the clinical assessment of skin hydration, depigmentation, improvement of wrinkles, elasticity, dermal density, skin pores, and skin soothing without any safety issues compared to the serum-only application. The results indicate that combinatorial serum application with DMCS is a promising candidate for improving skincare treatments with optimal transdermal delivery of active compounds.

Green synthesis of Zn nanoparticles and in situ hybridized with BSA nanoparticles for Baicalein targeted delivery mediated with glutamate receptors to U87‐MG cancer cell lines

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant tumor of the brain. It has different glutamate receptor types. So, these receptors can be a suitable target for GBM treatment. The current study investigated the anticancer effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐Baicalein @Zn‐Glu nanostructure mediated‐GluRs in human glioblastoma U87 cells. BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were set and considered transporters for Baicalein (Ba) active compound delivery. BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu NPs were synthesized by a single‐step reduction process. The successful production was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and hemolysis test. The cytotoxic efficacy and apoptosis rate of the nanostructures on U87 glioblastoma cells were investigated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthialzol‐a‐yl)‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The synthesized BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu nanostructures with a diameter of 142.40 ± 1.91 to 177.10 ± 1.87 nm and zeta potential of −10.57 ± 0.71 to −35.77 ± 0.60 mV are suitable for extravasation into tumor cells. The drug release from the BSA‐Ba@Zn NPs showed controlled and pH‐dependent behavior. In vitro results indicated that the BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu NPs significantly reduce cell viability and promote apoptosis of U87 cancer cells. It revealed the cytotoxic effect of the Baicalein and an increase in cellular uptake of nanoparticles by Glu receptors. Zn NPs were synthesized based on a green synthesis method. BSA NPs were used as a nano‐platform for Glu conjugation and Ba drug delivery. BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu NPs induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human brain cancer cells (U87) in a dose‐dependent manner. Finally, this nanostructure could be served in targeted drug delivery in vivo studies and applied along with other strategies such as X‐ray irradiation as combinational therapies in future studies.

Salicylic Acid Co-Precipitation with Alginate via Supercritical Atomization for Cosmetic Applications.

Alginate-based microparticles were produced via supercritical assisted atomization (SAA) with the aim of obtaining a biocompatible and low-cost carrier for the delivery of active compounds in cosmetic applications. Salicylic acid was selected as an active model compound, and it was co-precipitated with alginate via SAA, operating at 82 bar and 80 °C. In particular, the drug-to-polymer weight ratio was fixed at 1/4, whereas polymer concentration was varied from 5 to 20 mg/mL in the starting aqueous solution. Operating in this way, alginate-salicylic acid microparticles were characterized by a mean diameter of 0.72 ± 0.25 µm, and the active compound became amorphous after processing. A salicylic acid encapsulation efficiency close to 100% was reached, and the drug release time from the biopolymeric microparticles was prolonged up to nine times with respect to untreated salicylic acid powder.

Cancer targeted drug delivery using active low-density lipoprotein nanoparticles encapsulated pyrimidines heterocyclic anticancer agents as microtubule inhibitors

Recently, nanomedicine had the potential to increase the delivery of active compounds to specific cell sites. Nano-LDL particles are recognized as an excellent active nano-platform for cancer-targeted delivery. Loading of therapeutic agents into nano-LDL particles achieved by surface loading, core loading, and apolipoprotein-B100 interaction. Therefore, loading nano-LDL particles’ core with pyrimidine heterocyclic anticancer agents will increase cancer cytotoxic activity targeting tubulin protein. First, by mimicking the native LDL particle's metabolic pathway, and second the agent’s chemical functional groups like the native amino acids cytosine and thymine structures will not be recognized as a foreign entity from the cell’s immune system. Nano-LDL particles will internalize through LDL-receptors endocytosis and transport the anticancer agent into the middle of the cancer cell, reducing its side effects on other healthy cells. Generally, the data revealed that pyrimidine heterocyclic anticancer agents’ size is at the nano level. Agents’ morphological examination showed nanofibers, thin sheets, clusters, and rod-like structures. LDL particles’ size became bigger after loading with pyrimidine heterocyclic anticancer agents and ranged between 121.6 and 1045 nm. Then, particles were tested for their cytotoxicity against breast (MDA468) and prostate (DU145) cancer cell lines as surrogate models with dose-response study 10, 5, 1 µM. The IC50 values of the agents against DU145 and MDA468 possessed cell growth inhibition even at the 1 µM concentration ranges of 3.88 ± 1.05 µM and 3.39 ± 0.97 µM, respectively. In sum, nano-LDL particles proved their efficiency as active drug delivery vehicles to target tubulin in cancer cells.

Biodegradable porous micro/nanoparticles with thermoresponsive gatekeepers for effective loading and precise delivery of active compounds at the body temperature

Stimuli-responsive controlled delivery systems are of interest for preventing premature leakages and ensuring precise releases of active compounds at target sites. In this study, porous biodegradable micro/nanoparticles embedded with thermoresponsive gatekeepers are designed and developed based on Eudragit RS100 (PNIPAM@RS100) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) via a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effect of initiator types on the polymerization of NIPAM monomer/methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) crosslinker was investigated at 60 °C for thermal initiators and ambient temperature for redox initiators. The crosslinked PNIPAM plays a key role as thermal-triggered gatekeepers with high loading efficiency and precise release of a model active compound, Nile Blue A (NB). Below the volume phase transition temperature (TVPT), the gatekeepers possess a swollen conformation to block the pores and store NB within the cavities. Above its TVPT, the chains rearrange, allowing gate opening and a rapid and constant release rate of the compound until completion. A precise “on–off” switchable release efficiency of PNIPAM@RS100 was demonstrated by changing the temperatures to 4 and 40 °C. The materials are a promising candidate for controlled drug delivery systems with a precise and easy triggering mechanism at the body temperature for effective treatments.

Utility of Downstream Biomarkers to Assess and Optimize Intranasal Delivery of Oxytocin.

Oxytocin (OT), a mammalian neurohormone associated with social cognition and behavior, can be administered in its synthetic form intranasally (IN) and impact brain chemistry and behavior. IN-OT shows potential as a noninvasive intervention for disorders characterized by social challenges, e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anorexia nervosa (AN). To evaluate IN-OT’s efficacy, we must quantify OT uptake, availability, and clearance; thus, we assessed OT levels in urine (uOT) before and after participants (26 ASD, 7 AN, and 7 healthy controls) received 40 IU IN-OT or placebo across two sessions using double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover designs. We also measured uOT and plasma (pOT) levels in a subset of participants to compare the two sampling methods. We found significantly higher uOT and pOT following intranasal delivery of active compound versus placebo, but analyses yielded larger effect sizes and more clearly differentiated pre–post-OT levels for uOT than pOT. Further, we applied a two-step cluster (TSC), blinded backward-chaining approach to determine whether active/placebo groups could be identified by uOT and pOT change alone; uOT levels may serve as an accessible and accurate systemic biomarker for OT dose–response. Future studies will explore whether uOT levels correlate directly with behavioral targets to improve dosing for therapeutic goals.

Particle-Assisted Dermal Penetration-A Simple Formulation Strategy to Foster the Dermal Penetration Efficacy.

(1) Background: The study systematically investigated the influence of dispersed particles within a topical formulation on the dermal penetration efficacy of active compounds that are dissolved in the water phase of this formulation. The aim was to prove or disprove if particle-assisted dermal penetration can be used for improved dermal drug delivery. (2) Methods: Fluorescein was used as a surrogate for a hydrophilic active ingredient (AI). It was dissolved in the water phase of different formulations with and without particles. Two different types of particles (titanium dioxide and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC)) were used. The influence of particle size and number of particles and the influence of skin hydrating excipients was also investigated. (3) Results demonstrate that the addition of particles can strongly increase the dermal penetration efficacy of AI. The effect depends on the size of the particles and the number of particles in the formulation, where smaller sizes and higher numbers resulted in higher penetration parameters. Formulations with NLC that contained 20% w/w or 40% w/w particles resulted in an about 2-fold higher amount of penetrated AI and increased the penetration depth about 2.5-fold. The penetration-enhancing effect was highly significant (p < 0.001) and allowed for an efficient delivery of the AI in the viable dermis. In contrast, the penetration-enhancing effect of excipients that increase the skin hydration was found to be very limited and not significant (≤5%, p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that particle-assisted dermal penetration can be considered to be a simple but highly efficient and industrially feasible formulation principle for improved and tailor-made dermal drug delivery of active compounds.

Partial characterization of aerogels made from chayotextle and potato starch

Starch aerogels were obtained from Chayotextle (Sechium edule) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers. An hydrogel was formed by the gelatinization and gelling of a starch dispersion, subsequently, the exchange of water for acetone yields an acetogel, which is then subjected to a supercritical drying process with CO2 to obtain an aerogel. In the present work, we used an unconventional starch source, Chayotextle, and compared it with potato starch. A physicochemical and morphological analysis was carried out to evaluate the properties of the obtained aerogels (FTIR, SEM, % Moisture Content, Water Absorption Capacity, Resistant Starch Content, Oil Retention Capacity and Swelling). The results showed that a stirring speed of 800 RPM and 3 days of cooling allowed obtaining aerogels with a homogeneous porous structure. Changes in Moisture Content, solubility, Oil Retention Capacity, Water Retention Capacity and Swelling could be verified in the aerogels obtained. Chayotextle starch aerogels samples have a lower swelling factor and lower moisture absorption compared to potato starch aerogels. This can be used in certain strategic applications. The size of the granules of chayotextle starch allows for a higher content of resistant starch, which shows a greater tendency to retrograde than potato starch. Aerogels can be used for a variety of advanced food applications: from smart ingredients that control nutrient release to active compound delivery systems; from fat substitutes to new biodegradable and smart food packaging materials.

Development of Antiacne Nanogel containing Cinnamon Bark Oil (Cinnamomum burmannii Nees ex Bl.) and Olive Oil (Olea europaea L.)

Acne is the most common skin problem which can occur due to a bacterial infection. Cinnamon bark oil contains cinnamaldehyde and other active compounds which have antibacterial activity. Olive oil is also known to have antibacterial activity and can reduce skin irritation from cinnamon bark oil application. The nanogel system is known to be suitable for the delivery of active compounds to treat acne. This research aims to develop nanogel preparations containing cinnamon bark oil and olive oil and characterize the gels' physical properties and antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes. The antibacterial activity test of cinnamon bark oil and preparations were carried out by the diffusion method using the perforation technique. Nanogels were prepared using tween 80 as a surfactant, PEG 400 as a co-surfactant, and Viscolam as a gelling agent. The nanogels were characterized by organoleptic, pH, viscosity, spreadability, percent transmittance, globule size diameter, and stability tests. The result showed that cinnamon bark oil has antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes with a MIC value of 0.2%. Nanogel preparations containing cinnamon bark oil (2; 3; and 4%) and olive oil (2%) have good physical characteristics and stability with a clear appearance with an average globule size 129 ±17 nm; 132 ± 18 nm; and 135 ± 19 nm, respectively. Nanogel preparations have potent antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes. The antibacterial activity of the gels depends on oil concentration.

Natural Gums and Carbohydrate-Based Polymers: Potential Encapsulants

Plants possess a wide range of bioactive compounds with established health benefits which are highly susceptible to degradation. The environmental dynamics such as high temperature, light, oxygen limits the shelf life and bioavailability of these compounds in food and drug formulations. Encapsulation serves as an effective way of preserving these sensitive compounds by enclosing them within a coating/wall material and hence improves their bioavailability and functional properties.Scope and Approach: The wall materials used for encapsulation also known as encapsulants act as physical barriers between core compound and external stimuli. There are different edible protein, lipid and carbohydrate based encapsulants used for coating of bioactive compounds. However, this review gives a detailed insight on composition, functional properties, and applications of carbohydrate based polymers in food, and pharmaceutical industries while emphasizing on the advantages and limitations of these polymers in encapsulation process. So, we explored recent expansion in the area of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives as carriers for the targeted and sustained delivery of active compounds. Key Findings and Conclusions:Polysaccharides, natural gums (Carrageenan, Alginate, Gum arabic, Guar gum, Gellan gum, Xanthan gum) and their derivatives are biodegradable polymers being used as sustained release carriers. They are more advantageous over lipid based and protein based carriers by virtue of their unique features such as thermo stability and versatility of interacting with a range of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. Tailor-made carriers made by structural modifications of the polysaccharides using physical, chemical and enzymatic reactions result in improved functional properties and hence widen their area of applications.©2022iGlobal Research and PublishingFoundation. All rights reserved.Cite this article as:Ansari, Z.; Goomer, S.Natural gums and carbohydrate-based polymers: Potential encapsulants. Indo Global J. Pharm. Sci., 2022; 12:1-20. DOI:http://doi.org/10.35652/IGJPS.2022.12001.

Chitosan-based oral colon-specific delivery systems for polyphenols: recent advances and emerging trends.

Oral colon-targeted delivery systems (OCDSs) have attracted great attention in the delivery of active compounds targeted to the colon for the treatment of colon and non-colon diseases with the advantages of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. Chitosan, the second-most abundant biopolymer next to cellulose, has great biocompatibility, is non-toxic, is sensitive to colonic flora and shows strong adhesion to colonic mucus, making it an ideal biomaterial candidate for the construction of OCDSs. Being rich in functional groups, the chitosan structure is easily modified, both physically and chemically, for the fabrication of delivery systems with diverse geometries, including nanoparticles, microspheres/microparticles, and hydrogels, that are resistant to the harsh environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This review offers a detailed overview of the preparation of chitosan-based delivery systems as the basis for building OCDSs. A variety of natural polyphenols with potent biological activities are used to treat diseases of the colon, or to be metabolized as active ingredients by colonic microorganisms to intervene in remote organ diseases after absorption into the circulation. However, the poor solubility of polyphenols limits their application, and the acidic environment of the upper GIT and various enzymes in the small intestine disrupt their structure and activity. As a result, the development of OCDSs for polyphenols has become an emerging and popular area of current research in the past decade. Thus, the second objective of this review is to systematically summarize the most recent research findings in this area and shed light on the future development of chitosan-based OCDSs for nutritional and biomedical applications.