Cross-Linked Ionic Polysaccharides: Insights from the Structure to Stimuli-Sensitive Drug Delivery System Applications

Abstract

The review provides an insight regarding the state of the art of cross-linked ionic polysaccharides, which are a part of common drug delivery systems, which are involved in the regulation of release of drug in specific required sites. The changes in pH, ion concentration, wavelength, redox potential, temperature, electric and magnetic field intensity are the stimuli sensitive functions, which play a major roles. Due to their high reproducibility and better characterization from natural resources, the polysaccharides remains as a point of interest for compiling many stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. The hydrogel networks are formed from ready cross-linking of ionic polysaccharides, subject to control of internal and external variables. These hydrogel networks become operative for drug release on-off through complex mechanisms. The polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems are now responsive to different hybrids, composites and grafted polymers with a broad range of stimuli functions.