A Review: Uses of Chitosan in Pharmaceutical Forms

Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol. 2023:184:121-157. doi: 10.1007/112_2021_69.

Abstract

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide widespread in nature. It has many unique and attractive properties for the pharmaceutical field: it is biodegradable, safe, hypoallergenic, biocompatible with the body, free of toxicity, with proven anticholesterolemic, antibacterial, and antimycotic action. In this review we highlighted the physical, chemical, mechanical, mucoadhesive, etc. properties of chitosan to be taken into account when obtaining various pharmaceutical forms. The methods by which the pharmaceutical forms based on chitosan are obtained are very extensive, and in this study only the most common ones were presented.

Keywords: Biocompatible; Biodegradable; Chitosan; Pharmaceutical forms; Polysaccharide.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chitosan* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations

Substances

  • Chitosan
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations