Unraveling the role of chitosan for nasal drug delivery systems: A review

Abstract

The discipline of nanoscience has made enormous strides in the recent two decades. The researchers in the field of nanomedicine have been looking into using natural biodegradable polymeric nano-colloids for targeted drug delivery, due to their high levels of bioavailability, biocompatibility, enhanced permeability, better retention time, safety, and less toxicity. The nasal cavity has been considered as an efficient route with great potential for the management of local and systemic diseases like asthma, pneumonia, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Chitosan (CS), a natural polymer, along with its greater efficacy and less toxicity, makes it an attractive candidate for nasal administration. This review has focused on the limitations that might arise when using the nasal route and how CS can play a mechanistic role in helping with these complications when using the nasal drug delivery system. The major revelation from this article is to summarize the various formulations and innovation of CS-loaded nano colloids, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, in situ gel, etc. The preclinical study and various patents published also concluded that the intranasal delivery of CS-loaded nanocolloids have wide potential to manage various neurodegenerative, respiratory, cardiovascular, etc. disorders.

Keywords

• Chitosan
• Hydrogel
• In situ gel
• Microsphere
• Nanocapsule
• Nanoemulgel