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Chitosan nanoparticles for oral drug and gene delivery
Authors Katherine Bowman, Kam W Leong
Published 15 June 2006 Volume 2006:1(2) Pages 117—128
Katherine Bowman, Kam W Leong
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Abstract: Chitosan is a widely available, mucoadhesive polymer that is able to increase cellular permeability and improve the bioavailability of orally administered protein drugs. It can also be readily formed into nanoparticles able to entrap drugs or condense plasmid DNA. Studies on the formulation and oral delivery of such chitosan nanoparticles have demonstrated their efficacy in enhancing drug uptake and promoting gene expression. This review summarizes some of these findings and highlights the potential of chitosan as a component of oral delivery systems.
Keywords: chitosan, oral delivery, nanoparticles