Polysaccharides, due to their outstanding properties, have attracted the attention of researchers, working in the biomedical field and especially of those working in drug delivery. Modified/functionalized polysaccharides further increase the importance for various applications. Delivery of therapeutics for diverse ailments in different endocrine glands and hormones safely, is a focal point of researchers working in the field. Among the routes followed, the transdermal route is preferred due to non‐exposure of active moieties to the harsh gastric environment and first‐pass metabolism. This review starts with the overview of polysaccharides used for the delivery of various therapeutic agents. Advantages of polysaccharides used in the transdermal route are addressed in detail. Types of polysaccharides will be elaborated through examples, and in this context, special emphasis will be on the polysaccharides being used for synthesis of the membranes/films. Techniques employed for their modification to design novel carriers for therapeutics delivery will also be discussed. The review will end with a brief discussion on recent developments and future perspectives for delivery of therapeutic agents, and vaccine development.

Polysaccharides are an important element in several fields such as endocrinology, drug delivery, and vaccine. This Importance comes from their biocompatibility, safety, and cost efficiency. Moreover, the ability to chemically modify and functionalize polysaccharides with a large spectrum of functional groups expands their usability. In addition, chemical modifications of polysaccharide can alter their physicochemical properties. For these reasons, researchers have studied distinct features of modified polysaccharides to perfect their properties and better their pharmacological actions. For more details see the Review by A. Elaissar et al. on 8437 ff.

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The objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate sustained release polymeric tablets of ketoprofen for the release rate, release patterns and the mechanism involved in the release process of the drug. Formulations with three different types of newly synthesized polymers and one grade of ethyl cellulose ether derivatives (FP100 premium) in several drug-to-polymer ratios (D:P ratio 10:1, 10:2 and 10:3) were compressed into tablets using the direct compression method. They were examined for their physical properties and appearance. Tablets dimensional tests (thickness, diameter) and Q.C tests (hardness, friability, disintegration) were performed according to the USP methods. For in vitro drug release studies of Ketoprofen controlled release (CR) tablets, the USP Method-1 (Rotating Basket Method) was used with Pharma test dissolution apparatus (D-63512 Hainburg, Germany). The medium used for dissolution was phosphate buffer having a pH of 7.4 kept at constant temperature of 37±1°C. In order to analyze the drug release kinetics from each of the prepared matrices, five different mathematical models were applied to the release data including zero order kinetics, first order kinetics, Higuchi kinetics, Hixson Crowell kinetics and Korsmeyer Peppas equations were applied to the release data. The results obtained from different parameters showed that polymers: Polyglycolide, PGA-cocaprolactone, PGA-co-pentadecalactone and Ethocel FP100 premium can be used successfully in order to develop directly compressed prolonged release tablets of slightly soluble drugs such as ketoprofen. Particle size of polymer is a determining factor in controlling the release of ketoprofen from tablets. Ethocel standard FP100 polymers extend the release rates of drug more efficiently than the conventional granular form of the other three polymers. Further, the three new polymers and Ethocel FP100 could efficiently extend the release of the drugs as compared to the reference conventional formulation.

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