Polysaccharide-Based Micelles for Drug Delivery

Abstract

Delivery of hydrophobic molecules and proteins has been an issue due to poor bioavailability following administration. Thus, micelle carrier systems are being investigated to improve drug solubility and stability. Due to problems with toxicity and immunogenicity, natural polysaccharides are being explored as substitutes for synthetic polymers in the development of new micelle systems. By grafting hydrophobic moieties to the polysaccharide backbone, self-assembled micelles can be readily formed in aqueous solution. Many polysaccharides also possess inherent bioactivity that can facilitate mucoadhesion, enhanced targeting of specific tissues, and a reduction in the inflammatory response. Furthermore, the hydrophilic nature of some polysaccharides can be exploited to enhance circulatory stability. This review will highlight the advantages of polysaccharide use in the development of drug delivery systems and will provide an overview of the polysaccharide-based micelles that have been developed to date.

Docetaxel-Loaded Self-Assembly Stearic Acid-Modified Bletilla striata Polysaccharide Micelles and Their Anticancer Effect: Preparation, Characterization, Cellular Uptake and In Vitro Evaluation

“…Superoxide dismutase-loaded dextran sulfate-cholic acid micelles showed higher stability in acidic medium and sustained drug release up to 100 h in the small intestine, which enhanced the interaction of copolymer micelles with the intestinal membrane and facilitated superoxide dismutase cellular uptake [18]. Stearic acid (SA)-modified chitosan drug-loaded micelles showed significantly higher tumor cell inhibition in vitro compared with free drugs, enhancing drug internalization [19].…”

Poly(ethylene oxide)‐g‐gellan polysaccharide nanocarriers for controlled gastrointestinal delivery of simvastatin

“…Presumably, the encapsulation of drug enhanced the hydrophobic interactions in the core and produced more compact particles. 56 The size of PEG-gellan copolymer micelles was larger than that of other polysaccharide-based micelles available in the art. Probably, gellan polysaccharide and PEG chains induced larger steric hindrances over a larger volume for the polymer of higher molecular weight 57,58 and thus led to the formation of larger particle size.…”

Exopolysaccharides from Prokaryotic Microorganisms—Promising Sources for White Biotechnology Processes

“…126 By grafting hydrophobic moieties to the polysaccharide backbone, self-assembled micelles can be formed and there are numerous studies in literature where natural EPSs like pullulan, dextran, or bacterial cellulose are employed for the development of new micelle systems that can improve drug solubility and stability. 127 Polysaccharides rich of fucose, for example, in the case of clavan, find application in biocosmetics as skin-moisturizing creams, in medical employing for the synthesis of antibody, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or for the prevention of lung cancer. 128 Several are the medical applications of new EPSs, ranging from antitumor to antiviral agents; polymers with immunostimulant properties have been described.…”