Advancing climate action through agro-waste-based polymers for transdermal drug delivery

As environmental concerns grow, the pharmaceutical industry is under increasing pressure to develop more sustainable materials, especially in drug delivery systems that rely heavily on synthetic polymers. This review looks at how polymers derived from agricultural waste—such as cellulose, chitosan, starch, pectin, lignin, and plant mucilage—can serve as eco-friendly alternatives in transdermal drug delivery. These natural materials offer properties like biocompatibility, flexibility, and the ability to control how drugs are released through the skin. We discuss how they are extracted, modified, and applied in different delivery formats like patches, films, hydrogels, and microneedles. Not only do these polymers perform well in terms of drug delivery, but they also break down naturally, pose low toxicity risks, and support goals related to circular economy and waste reduction. Case studies show that in many instances, they can compete with or even outperform traditional synthetic materials. The review also touches on real-world challenges—such as ensuring consistent quality, navigating regulations, and scaling up production—as well as future opportunities, including smart technologies and AI-assisted formulation. Repurposing agricultural by-products into functional pharmaceutical-grade materials offers a practical path toward greener, low-impact healthcare systems that balance therapeutic performance with environmental responsibility.