Microparticulate drug delivery systems.
Chitosan was proposed as a drug carrier for mucosal administration in ocular, buccal, nasal, gastroenteric and vaginal-uterine therapies based on its bioadhesive properties and biodegradability in vivo under the action of hydrolases. Examples are the delivery of acyclovir via ocular administration, and the delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid to the colon. Microparticles may need to be cross-linked to retard their degradation in acidic media; yet cross-linking with glutaraldehyde introduces cytotoxic characteristics and depresses bioadhesion. Alternative cross-linking approaches are discussed along with the suitability of chitosan for the oral delivery of vaccines.
Genta
I
I
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Pavia, Italy.
Perugini
P
P
Pavanetto
F
F
Modena
T
T
Conti
B
B
Muzzarelli
R A
RA
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D048271:Chitosan; D004337:Drug Carriers
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D004337:Drug Carriers; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan; D000212:Acyclovir