CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES AS A THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY SYSTEM

Chitosan is a cationic polymer derived from chitin found in insects and crustaceans. In it’s nanosize form chitosan has shown to be very effective as targeted delivery system with wide applications. The remarkable properties of chitosan such as biodegradability, biocompatibility and bioavailaibilty make’s it very suitable as a carrier for therapeutic molecules. In addition the properties like controlled release of the molecule or protein at the carrier site, easy modification of the chitosan surface and attachment to ligand’s makes it an excellent choice as a delivery system. Chitosan nanoparticles can be used as vaccine vectors because of its muco-adhesiveness. It attaches to the mucosal surfaces of the body like gastrointestinal, respiratory and the nasal tract. This review explores the properties and therapeutic uses of chitosan nanoparticles as a delivery system for drugs, anti-microbials, vaccine , anti-cancer agents and wound healing polymer.