Recent Advances in Chitosan Films for Controlled Release of Drugs

Abstract

Chitosan is a versatile carrier for biologically active agent from a small molecule such as an antibiotic to macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, drug delivery devices based on chitosan can be available in a variety of morphologies including films, fibers, nanoparticles and microspheres. Otherwise the inherent advantages of this polymer such as biocompatibility, tissue adhesions and hydrophilic nature, chitosan can be modified to accomplish a specific purpose for example improves release kinetics. In this review are presented and discussed recent patents including three types of chitosan-based film systems for drug delivery: matrix type systems, membrane coated systems and film forming solution. For each one of these systems several examples of manufacture processes, bioactive agents to be delivered and specifics applications were considered. This review highlights the possibilities of use chitosan in an unmodified state and examples of modifications of the polymer backbone.