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Review
. 2021 Jan 7;26(2):272.
doi: 10.3390/molecules26020272.

Chitosan Nanoparticles-Insight into Properties, Functionalization and Applications in Drug Delivery and Theranostics

Jhanvi Jhaveri  1 , Zarna Raichura  1 , Tabassum Khan  2 , Munira Momin  3 , Abdelwahab Omri  4
Affiliations
Review

Chitosan Nanoparticles-Insight into Properties, Functionalization and Applications in Drug Delivery and Theranostics

Jhanvi Jhaveri et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Nanotechnology-based development of drug delivery systems is an attractive area of research in formulation driven R&D laboratories that makes administration of new and complex drugs feasible. It plays a significant role in the design of novel dosage forms by attributing target specific drug delivery, controlled drug release, improved, patient friendly drug regimen and lower side effects. Polysaccharides, especially chitosan, occupy an important place and are widely used in nano drug delivery systems owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review focuses on chitosan nanoparticles and envisages to provide an insight into the chemistry, properties, drug release mechanisms, preparation techniques and the vast evolving landscape of diverse applications across disease categories leading to development of better therapeutics and superior clinical outcomes. It summarizes recent advancement in the development and utility of functionalized chitosan in anticancer therapeutics, cancer immunotherapy, theranostics and multistage delivery systems.

Keywords: chitosan; drug delivery; functionalization; nanoparticles; theranostics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification of NPs.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Synthesis of chitosan from chitin and structures of some of functionalized chitosan derivatives.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Multifaceted chitosan in drug delivery.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Drug release mechanism from chitosan NPs.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Chitosan NPs as theranostics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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