The use of biomaterials as drug carriers is being extensively investigated as
a drug delivery strategy in pharmaceutical research. However, the selection of materials
for such systems is rather complicated. Lately, the advent of biomaterials brought the
use of polymers as drug vehicles into the spotlight.
Chitosan and albumin are two of the most promising biomaterials for the development
of drug delivery systems. These are widely available in nature and can be used as
scaffolds of unprecedented novel structure, presenting high biocompatibility and
biodegradability and reduced toxicity. Moreover, these molecules promote optimized
pharmacokinetics for targeted drug delivery and controlled release, and avoid
accumulation or undesired side effects in healthy tissues
Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide obtained from chitin and, when used as drug carrier,
demonstrates to improve drugs pharmacokinetic profiles when comparing with the drug
alone.
Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, which has been receiving
renewed interest in the development of drug delivery systems. Importantly, albumin is
already an “off-the-shelf” product.
Advances in the study of engineered biomaterials represent a step forward in the
exploitation, development and commercialization of new therapies for old, poorly
served medical needs.
Keywords: Albumin, Biomaterials, Biopolymers, Chitosan, Drug delivery.
