Potential of Natural Polymeric Materials in Pharmaceutics

Natural polymer comprise repeated structural units of macromolecules which are connected by covalent bonds and are being employed in drug delivery systems. These biopolymers play an essential and important role in drug delivery. They require to be addressed with respect to drug compatibility and degradation pattern. The major goal of this study is to impart some knowledge about biopolymers and their applications in the delivery of pharmaceutical drugs. Databases such as PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science, Science Direct, Wiley, Research Gate, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to perform the literature study. This study discusses the popular natural polymers used as pharmaceutical, Protein and peptide delivery agents, including guar gum, gelatin, starch, pectin, chitosan, copal gum, dummer gum, alginate, albumin, carrageenan, inulin, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulphate. Highly organized macroscopic and molecular structure with high tensile strength and biocompatibility makes natural polymer more attractive to be used for the purpose of drug delivery. Scientific data analysis revealed natural polymer demand is expected to grow by 7.1% every year. Additionally, their low toxicity and easy biodegradability have likewise indulged scientists to focus towards the boundless utilization of characteristic polymers. Polymer acquired from natural sources like chitosan, alginate, dextran, starch, pectin and so on has indicated the great potential to be used as the bearer of biopharmaceuticals in the form of the microsphere, nanoparticles, cross-connected hydrogels, globules and granules. Gums are amongst the most commonly employed polymers in light of their hydrophilic nature, administrative usage and reduced cost. This chapter focuses on different types of natural polymers, their added benefits over engineered polymers and part of natural polymers in planning novel medication conveyance frameworks.