Biocompatibility of Biomaterials for Nanoencapsulation: Current Approaches
Bwalya A. Witika,
Pedzisai A. Makoni,
Scott K. Matafwali,
Billy Chabalenge,
Chiluba Mwila,
Aubrey C. Kalungia,
Christian I. Nkanga,
Alain M. Bapolisi,
Roderick B. Walker
Affiliations
Bwalya A. Witika
Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Pedzisai A. Makoni
Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Scott K. Matafwali
Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola 10101, Zambia
Billy Chabalenge
Department of Market Authorization, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
Chiluba Mwila
Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
Aubrey C. Kalungia
Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
Christian I. Nkanga
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 212, Kinshasa XI, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Alain M. Bapolisi
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Roderick B. Walker
Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Nanoencapsulation is an approach to circumvent shortcomings such as reduced bioavailability, undesirable side effects, frequent dosing and unpleasant organoleptic properties of conventional drug delivery systems. The process of nanoencapsulation involves the use of biomaterials such as surfactants and/or polymers, often in combination with charge inducers and/or ligands for targeting. The biomaterials selected for nanoencapsulation processes must be as biocompatible as possible. The type(s) of biomaterials used for different nanoencapsulation approaches are highlighted and their use and applicability with regard to haemo- and, histocompatibility, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenesis are discussed.
