Polysaccharide-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Due to the incredible diversity of polysaccharides and their natural origin, these systems are essential because they can offer compatibility and degradability in biological systems with a range of chemical and biological functions advantageous for the administration of drugs. This characteristic comprises biomacromolecule stability, enhancing the bioavailability of entrapped tiny therapeutic molecules, shielding, and delivering effective treatments by bypassing the reticuloendothelial system. The ability of polysaccharides to deliver therapeutics to target tissues through mucosal attachment and transport, as well as through chemistry, size, and receptor-mediated drug targeting, is also crucial. In this chapter, we have discussed the designing strategies and functionalization of polysaccharides that preserve and enhance the capabilities of the natural polysaccharides. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion on recent research advances in polysaccharides as drug delivery systems specifically for chitosan, alginate, dextran, and hyaluronic acid has also been presented.