Polysaccharide-Based Nanoparticles for Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Polysaccharide biomaterials have gained significant importance in the manufacture of nanoparticles used in colon-targeted drug delivery systems. These systems are a form of non-invasive oral therapy used in the treatment of various diseases. To achieve successful colonic delivery, the chemical, enzymatic and mucoadhesive barriers within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract must be analyzed. This will allow for the nanomaterials to cross these barriers and reach the colon. This review provides information on the development of nanoparticles made from various polysaccharides, which can overcome multiple barriers along the GI tract and affect encapsulation efficiency, drug protection, and release mechanisms upon arrival in the colon. Also, there is information disclosed about the size of the nanoparticles that are usually involved in the mechanisms of diffusion through the barriers in the GI tract, which may influence early drug degradation and release in the digestive tract.

Highly Efficient Synthesis of Type B Gelatin and Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Nanoparticles: Potential Applications as Bioactive Molecule Carriers and Cell-Penetrating Agents

“…The reduced cell viability could be attributed to the high affinity of the NPs toward cell membranes and their polysaccharide nature, which facilitates their rapid and massive internalization, most likely leading to compromised membranes and triggering apoptotic pathways [ 12 ]. In particular, innate and accelerated internalization has been reported for polysaccharide-based structures given their chemical composition, resembling common proteins, peptides, and metabolites [ 69 ]. These results suggest that a significant decrease in the administered dose will be needed to achieve the same efficacy in cargo transport and delivery, which confirms the potential of the obtained NPs as potent carriers and cell-penetrating vehicles.…”

Recent trends in macromolecule-conjugated hybrid quantum dots for cancer theranostic applications

“…Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles have received considerable attention as a transporter in numerous pharmacological drugs. 99 Due to the synergistic effects, combining nanoparticles with biological molecules has received significant attention. Recently, the physicochemical and biological effects of combining natural polysaccharides with nanomaterials have been studied for high water content and surface action, which makes it more flexible in size for various drug delivery systems.…”

Nano-/Microcapsules, Liposomes, and Micelles in Polysaccharide Carriers: Applications in Food Technology

“…For instance, chitosan, currently the most widely used polysaccharide, is capable of electrostatic interaction with negatively charged mucosal surfaces, resulting in favourable mucoadhesive properties. Furthermore, the presence of a positively charged NH 3 + group in chitosan allows for interaction with negatively charged proteoglycans on the cell surface, leading to improved absorption of the nanoparticle core in the gut by promoting the opening up of connections between epithelial cells [51,52]. Depending on the utilisation and characteristics of the polysaccharide, it can be determined how the active ingredient of the nanocapsule's core will impact the consumer within the product.…”

“…Depending on the utilisation and characteristics of the polysaccharide, it can be determined how the active ingredient of the nanocapsule's core will impact the consumer within the product. For example, dextran possesses multiple hydroxylated groups, making it easily conjugated to proteins [51].…”