Current Status of Polysaccharides-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Nervous Tissue Injuries Repair

Pharmaceutics, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020400 · Published: January 25, 2023

Simple Explanation

Neurological disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves are critical and challenging. Spinal cord injury (SCI) and peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can lead to irreversible impairments. Current therapeutic strategies for SCI and PNI don't fully restore function. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on polysaccharides are gaining attention due to their unique properties. This review examines the use of polysaccharides in DDSs for repairing damaged nervous systems, focusing on SCI and PNI treatments, particularly systems using chitosan, alginate, dextran, agarose, cellulose and gellan.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level: Review

Key Findings

1
Polysaccharide-based DDSs, especially those using chitosan, alginate, and agarose, show promise in treating SCI by promoting axonal regeneration and reducing inflammation.
2
Chitosan-based nerve guide conduits (NGCs) loaded with therapeutic substances have demonstrated potential in PNI treatment by supporting axonal regrowth and improving functional recovery.
3
The combination of polysaccharides with different properties and active molecules allows for the creation of complex systems with both neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects.

Research Summary

This review provides an overview of polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) for treating nervous tissue injuries, specifically spinal cord injury (SCI) and peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The study emphasizes the application of various polysaccharides such as chitosan, alginate, dextran, agarose, cellulose, and gellan in DDSs for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery. It highlights the importance of bioactive properties, DDS architecture, mechanical properties, drug efficacy, and release kinetics in successful SCI and PNI treatment.

Practical Implications

Improved Therapeutic Strategies

The use of polysaccharide-based DDSs offers more effective therapeutic strategies for SCI and PNI, as current treatments often fall short of complete recovery.

Targeted Drug Delivery

These systems allow for targeted drug delivery, which can reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes by focusing on the injured site.

Sustainable Solutions

Polysaccharides are generally derived from renewable sources or are byproducts of industrial processes, making their use collaborative in waste management and promising for an improved sustainable circular economy.

Study Limitations

1
Manufacturing complexity of complex DDSs needs simplification for scalability.
2
Lack of information about the sterilization process employed for many DDSs.
3
No information about the translatability in humans of the DDSs reviewed here is present in the literature.

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