Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance

Volume 1 Issue 1

A Review: Application of Biopolymers in the Pharmaceutical

Formulation
Maghchiche Abdelhak
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Medicine faculty, Batna 2 University, Algeria
Email: amaghchiche@yahoo.fr
DOI: http://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.2577643

Abstract
This review discusses some of the most commonly used biopolymers in pharmaceutical and
medical application. Biopolymers are the choice of our review because of its low toxicity,
stability, renewable nature, and biodegradability. Biopolymers are among the most
widespread compounds in the world and are often naturally occurring materials.
Biopolymers have been found to have very promising industrial application in various forms.
We give a brief layout of their pharmaceutical and medical use. Medical and pharmaceutical
industries are turning to natural materials, due to their biodegradability and resorbability.
Several types of biopolymers are known and used for medical and pharmaceutical
applications; the role played by the biopolymer varies depending on the mechanism drug
release and its form. The biopolymers were used for many years as excipients in
conventional, immediate-release forms by the oral route, playing a role in the manufacturing
process and protect the drug from degradation during storage. Excipients such as
biopolymers were used to formulate drugs and improve its effectiveness. Reducing drugs
toxicity and exhibiting prolonged release kinetics of the active ingredient. Decrease the
frequency of daily intake to regulate and support a circulating level of active principle in the
blood throughout the day and offer a better efficiency. Today, they play an increasingly
important role in the manufacture of various prolonged release systems and drug
optimization. Biopolymers are well explored and used in pharmaceutical formulation
development in recent years and also used for delivery of drugs from formulations. These
biopolymers are therefore non-toxic, inexpensive, biodegradable and freely available.

Keywords: Polymers, Biopolymers, Excipients, Pharmaceutical formulation

INTRODUCTION biopolymers such as Polyhydroxyal

The first applications of biopolymers were in
medical field especially its high starting
costs justified in these applications with high
value. Their biocompatibility and
bio-resorbability properties associated with
their mechanical strength are very important
to ensure the expected functions in this field
[1]. Several types of biopolymers are now
used in the medical fields which are shown
in Table 1. Synthetic polymers such as
poly-lactides (PLA) and poly-glycolides
(PGA) as well as their polylactide-co-
glycolide co-polymers (PLGA) was known
and used for sutures and medical implants.
These biopolymers are well tolerated and
have no toxicity to the body. Other
kanoates (PHAs), cellulose or polyamino
acids are also suitable for medical and
pharmaceutical applications [2, 3].
The usual drugs distributed in the body
without making enough distinctions between
the biological targets they must reach the
tissue sites they meet in passing; they
throughout the body. To remedy this
problem, the galenic has encouraged the
biodegradable nanoparticles development.
These nanoparticles can transport drugs to
specific sites by the concept of vectorization
of active ingredients. Instead of being free,
the drug is encapsulated in a polymer to
form a nanoparticle.

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 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
Volume 1 Issue 1

Table 1: The main applications of polymers in the medical field [2]

Biopolymers Medical applications
Polyhydroxyal Kanoates (PHA) Suture, galenic, vascular implant, medical clothing
accessories, osteosynthesis

Polyglycolides (PGA) Suture, clip, staple and adhesive

Polylactides (PLA) Orthopedic fixation, fixation, screw and pin, artificial

ligament and tendon, tissue regeneration matrix, galenic

Polyglactine (PLA-PGA). Sutures, orthopedic fixation, screws and pins, ligaments,

tendons and artificial vessels

Cellulose Drug encapsulation, cell implantation

Polyspartates Medication encapsulation, suture, artificial skin

Poly-lysine Encapsulation of drugs, biosensor, bactericides

For example, materials such as poly- classified into three categories:

cyanoacrylates which are stable with
respect to containing the active entity of the
medication, but which are biodegradable in
living tissues have been used, allowing the
medication to be released at the site of
pharmacological action. This improves the
effectiveness of the drug while reducing its
toxicity [4]. By gradually releasing the drug
by degradation of the polymer at its
therapeutic site, these nanoparticles protect
the active ingredient before reaching the
target and then make it more effective.
Polymers are also involved in other
pharmaceutical areas. Glucose is used as a
physiological saline solution while agar,
glucose and fructose are used as diluents in
the manufacturing process of tablets and
syrups. In addition, sometimes gelled starch
is used to coat the tablets. This operation
protects the tablet against atmospheric and
mechanical agents, protects the active
ingredient against gastric attack and masks
unpleasant odors and flavors.
Natural polymers are also used as
excipients in pharmaceuticals. Starch,
polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), vegetable gums,
cellulose, silicone is used in emulsions as
anti-foaming agents. Their main role is to
suppress unfavorable organoleptic
characteristics [5]. Biodegradable
biopolymers from renewable resources can
1. Polymers derived directly from plant
resources such as polysaccharides
(cellulose, starch, chitin and chitosan)
and proteins.
2. Polymers of bacterial origin such as
poly hydroxy-butyrate (PHB).
3. Polymers obtained indirectly by
polymerization of monomers
themselves. Typically derived from
plant resources such as lactic acid,
these polymers result from the
sugars fermentation or from reactive
monomeric compounds derived from
vegetable oils.
Several types of biopolymers are used in the
medical field. Synthetic polymers such
as polylactides (PLA) and poly-
glycolides (PGA) as well as polylactide-co-
glycolide co-polymers (PLGA) are known
and used for sutures and medical implants.
These biopolymers are well tolerated and
have no toxicity to the body [2].
Other biopolymers such as polyhydroxyal
kanoates (PHA), cellulose or polyamino
acids are also suitable for pharmaceutical
applications [3].
This review gives a summary of information
about biopolymers that may be of
importance during their use in specific
biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

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 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
PHARMACEUTICAL
APPLICATIONS OF BIOPOLYMERS
Celluloses
Used as an excipient, cellulose powders,
often referred to commercially as
microcrystalline cellulose, are mainly used
in the manufacturing of tablets such as a
binders, lubricant adjuncts and
disintegrators. The mechanism of action of
disintegration involves microcrystalline
cellulose causing the bursting of the tablets
by swelling in contact with water through
their fibrous structure which facilitates
water permeability. Cellulose powder is
also used as a dispersal and stabilizer in
emulsions and suspensions as well as an
absorbent. Cellulose derivatives generally
can modify the solubility/gelling behavior
of drugs, resulting in different mechanisms
for controlling the release of the drug. For
example, Micro-cellulose (MC) and Nano-
cellulose (NC) in the applications of
sustained drug delivery were created [6].
The applications of cellulose and cellulose
derivatives in pharmaceutical industries
include bio adhesive and muco-adhesive
drugs, delivery systems, coating processes,
extended release (ER) solid dosage forms,
extended release polymeric matrices,
osmotic drug delivery systems, thickening
and stabilizing agents, fillers in solid
dosage forms, binders in granulation
process, disintegrating agents, and taste
masking agents [7].
Among the derivatives of cellulose,
cellulose acetate phthalate is a white
powder, granular, odorless and weakly
acetic. Its main interest is being insoluble
in acid medium which means it is
insoluble in the stomach, and soluble in
the alkaline medium causing it to be
soluble in the intestine. It is the product
most commonly used to make gastro-
resistant and enteric-soluble coatings
because the tablet disintegration is only at
the level of the intestine due. For coating
tablets, cellulose acetate phthalate is
applied in thin layers as solutions in a
volatile solvent. By evaporation, the
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Volume 1 Issue 1
solvent leaves a continuous film of
cellulose acetophthalate [8]. Examples of
application of cellulose in drugs: Amarel
4mg tablets, Metopimazine (Vogalene15
mg) capsules.
Bacterial Cellulose
Bacterial cellulose is used as an external
and internal medical treatment.
Conforming well to the surface of the skin,
its ability to keep water and its
permeability to water vapor makes it an
interesting tool for healing wounds. Hence,
it is used for dressing wounds including
burns. It also has applications in cartilage
tissue and bone marrow transplantation. In
addition, it can help treat ulcer burns and
replace internal membranes such as the
outer membrane of the brain [9]. Bacterial
cellulose and gelatin were used to
synthesize a hydrogel by copolymerization
between these two agents. This hydrogel
composite was developed for drug-
delivery systems [10]. Bacterial cellulose
showed applications in biomedical
materials such as the production of contact
lenses, electro-conductive composite
hydrogels biosensors, wound dressings,
artificial skins and biomembranes [11].
Bacterial cellulose has shown to be a
promising entity for preparing artificial
blood vessels as well [12].
Cellulose Ethers
Cellulose ethers are produced by replacing
the hydrogen atoms of OH groups in the
anhydroglucose units of cellulose with
alkyl or substituted alkyl groups [7].
Examples of the most commonly used
celluloseethers are: Methylcellulose
(MeC), carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC),
Ethyl cellulose (EC), Hydroxyethyl
cellulose(HEC), Hydroxypropyl cellulose
(HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
(HPMC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
(CMCNa). These polymers are used in the
formulation of dosage forms and
healthcare products. These compounds are
playing important roles in further
developing different types of
 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
pharmaceuticals cellulose either. The most
studied excipient being hydroxy-propyl-
methyl-cellulose (HPMC).which is a
nonionic hydrophilic polymer prepared by
treating cellulose [13]. The release of a
soluble active ingredient from such
systems is generally controlled by erosion
of the gelled outer layer as well as by
diffusion of the active ingredient into the
hydrated matrix. The gelled outer layer
formed in contact with the aqueous
medium is an essential aspect for slowing
the rate of release of the active ingredient
which is incorporated into HPMC
matrices. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
is the sodium salt of a cellulose
carboxymethyl polyether. Its preparation
comprises the cellulose conversion to
alkali cellulose by treatment with sodium
hydroxide followed by reaction with
sodium monochloroacetate. Mixtures of
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
(CMCNa) with nonionic cellulose ethers
have been prepared as systems for the
controlled release of drugs. Incorporation
of active ingredient into HPMC: CMCNa
matrix tablets modulated release kinetics
as a function of the HPMC: NaCMC ratio
[14].
Starch
Starch is widely used in food,
pharmaceutical and biomedical
applications due to its biocompatibility,
biodegradability, non-toxicity and
abundant sources. In pharmaceutical
products, starches are used as carriers for
the controlled release of drugs and other
bioactive agents. The chemically modified
starches are used to carry biologically
active compounds. Certainstarch sources
can be utilized for distinctive applications
such as bone fixation and replacement due
to being readily metabolized in the human
body [15, 16].
Starch can serve as an excipient in the
drug composition due to its low energy
content and its non-toxicity. It is also used
in capsule capping and in obtaining tablets
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Volume 1 Issue 1
[17]. The cyclodextrins in starch increase
the solubility and absorption of drugs
while decreasing undesirable effects such
as the irritations of the stomach and the
financial costs [18]. Wheat starch, corn
starch, and potato starch are very fine
white powders, tasteless and odorless.
Insoluble in cold water, these three
starches well in water above 80° C without
dissolving completely to create a kind of
jelly. This jelly, or starch paste, is used in
powder form as excipients to dilute the
active ingredients; in the manufacturing of
tablets, as a diluent, lubricant and
disintegrators; and in the composition of
tablets. Examples of application of starch
in drugs include Vogalene15 mg capsules
and Doliprane 500mg tablets.
Amylose
Amylose and its derivatives have several
useful properties of medical materials
production and in the pharmaceutical
industry such as non-toxic filaments and
fibers for medical sutures. Moreover,
amylose sponges can be used during
surgical operations for its absorption
capacity. Amylose-iodine complexes
reported having strong antibacterial
activity against gram-positive and gram-
negative microorganisms. Amylose sulfate
are used for treating stomach ulcers [19].
Carboxymethyl amylose increases certain
antibiotics (basic in nature) ability to enter
the lymphatic system, making them
suitable for parenteral applications [20].
Amylose-resistant starch is used to
decrease the fluid loss and diminution
diarrhea duration of adolescents and adults
with cholera [21]. In addition, amylose is
useful as a binding agent in the direct
compression of powders of monolithic
tablets preparation [22]. For example,
cross linked amylose has already been
used as a binding agent [23, 24]. More
recently, amylose has been used for the
delivery of bioactive agents to treat several
diseases affecting the colon as well as for
the delivery of proteins and peptides for
systemic absorption at the same site [25].
 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
Volume 1 Issue 1

Amylopectin suspension while alginates propylene

Amylopectin used as a co-excipient has an
extremely low premature permeability in
pellets even to a highly water-soluble
agent in the acid medium of simulated
gastric juice. Amylopectin is used as an
undercoat material in enteric coated pellets
and enhances the acid resistance properties
of simulated gastric juice [26, 27].
Alginate
Alginates are sold as excipients for
pharmaceutical specialties that are tested
and certified. Alginate beads can be used
in medicine to encapsulate drugs or fragile
biological substances (enzymes,
microorganisms, animal or human cells).
The materials encapsulated within
alginate, activated carbon as adsorbent
capable of absorbing heavy metals and
toxic organic compounds in aqueous
solutions. Sodium alginate is used in drugs
to thicken or keep up particles in
glycol is used to stabilize acid suspensions.
Its emulsifying properties also make it
participate in the manufacturing of
cosmetic products such as cream, soap,
and shampoo. It helps to thicken skin
creams and plays a key role in heart burn
prevention and in dental additives.
Alginates also enter the formula of kinds
of toothpaste [28, 29]. Examples of
application of alginate in drugs:
Arthrodont 1%, Gingival paste,
Homeodent Toothpaste.
Alginate as Excipients
Alginic Acid
Alginic acid is insoluble in water, but it
hydrates up to a hundred times his initial
volume. This property makes it a vital
disintegrating agent in tablets. Table 2
shows a variety of medications that alginic
acid is utilized in.

Table 2: Alginic acid application forms

Forms Examples
Tablets HALDOL 1 mg tablets
ACTICARBINE tablets
ADREXAN 40 mg tablets
FASIGYNE 500 mg tablets
AVLOCARDYL 40 mg tablets
LOGRYX 100 mg tablets
APAROXAL 100 mg tablets
PROPANOLOL RATIO 40 mg tablets
DIPIPERON 40 mg tablets
SPASMAVERINE 40 mg tablets
Cream HALIVITE 5% cream

Sodium Alginate as pasty forms, as extended-release tablets

Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of
alginic acid. Sodium alginate is a purified
carbohydrate extracted from brown
seaweed algae by careful treatment with
sodium hydroxide. Sodium alginate issued
and as a base for cosmetic and medicated
gels [28, 29]. Table three displays a few of
the applications forms that sodium alginate
plays a role in.

Table 3: Sodium alginate application forms

Forms Examples
Creams CALMIPHASE cream
HALIVITE 5% cream
Tablets ISOPTINE 240 mg tablets
VERAPAMIL GNR 240 mg tablets
VERAPAMIL MERCK LP 240 and 120 tablets
Gel SODIUM ALGINATE 5.0 g
GLYCERINE 5.0 g
SODIUM BENZOATE 1.0 g
PURIFIED WATER 89.0 g

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 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
Other Alginates
In this section, other types of alginates
used in pharmacy are cited. Their use is
less widespread than alginic acid and
sodium alginate.
- Calcium and
sodium alginate: Melleril 100 mg
tablets.
- Sodium triethanolamine alginate: Biafi
ne emulsion for a cutaneous
application.
- Calcium
ammonium alginate: Lariam 250 mg
tablets Qadri breakable.
- Magnesium alginate: Topaal oral
suspension.
- Propylene
glycol alginate: Questran 4g oral
powder.
Use of Alginates in Dry Forms
The alginate salts can be used alone or in
combination with other polymers to
control the release of active ingredients
into the body from hydrophilic matrix
tablets. The pH influences on
the alginate salts make it possible to delay
the release of the active substances. In
this application of alginates with the other
polymers, the alginates are used at
concentrations less than 20% and between
20% - 50% when used alone [28].
Extended-release Tablets
The physicochemical properties
of alginates make them the excipients of
choice in tablets to keep a sustained
release of active ingredients. The most
obvious for this use is their ability to
form hydrocolloids in an aqueous medium
at acidic pH. In the stomach, this swollen
membrane then serves as a diffusion
barrier reducing the active substance
escaping migration from the tablet [29].
Alginic Acid Use in Floating Systems
Floating Tablets with Low Density
Alginates are hydrocolloids that can be
used in floating systems preparation: The
tablet consists of the homogeneous
mixture of one or more active ingredients
with hydrophilic polymers in contact with
the gastric juice.
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The hydrocolloid particles of the outer part
of the tablet hydrate and form a barrier
which increases the size of the tablet while
maintaining its shape and avoiding its
disintegration. Subsequently, this hydrated
layer dissolves slowly, releasing
the pharmacologically active substances.
Tablets buoyancy results from a two
phenomena combination: the increase in
volume during the contact with the middle
of the stomach and the pores volume
maintained within the non-hydrated tablet,
partly dependent on the compressive force
[30, 31].
Floating Capsules with Low Density
The release of the capsule contents
controlled by carbon dioxide bubbles form
in a hydrogel. The hydrocolloid used is
sodium alginate which gels in the stomach
acid medium with calcium presence. After
the gelatin shell dissolution, there is
hydration and gelation of the alginate, as
well as crosslinking with calcium. Sodium
bicarbonate, in contact with the gastric
juice, creates an effervescent release of
CO2, the bubbles of which remain trapped
in the gelled network, which results in a
floating capsule [32, 33].
Disintegrating Agent
Alginic acid is effective in direct
compression as in wet
granulation. Alginic acid is effective at
concentrations of 2% and above; 10%
concentrations used in the formulation of
effervescent tablets. Alginates allow the
suspension dissolution of the active
ingredient thus improving bio-availability
for the body. Alginic acid is the
disintegrating agent added during the
granulation phase [34].
Binding Agent
The alginic acid is used as a binding agent
in tablets because it is capable of inducing
the powder particles aggregation during
the granulation phase. This facilitates the
cohesion of particles together. These
additives diminish the compressive force
applied to a powder. In addition, reducing
the compressive force reduces the
disintegration time. The alginic acid mixed
 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
Volume 1 Issue 1

with water to get the greatest swelling and
is then incorporated into the other
components to bind them; in the case of
unstable active substances in an aqueous
medium, the dry alginic acid is
incorporated [34].
Use of Alginates as Thickening and
Stabilizing Excipients
Alginates can be used to increase the
viscosity of suspensions to limit the
sedimentation phenomena, used in
ophthalmic solutions to increase contact
time or used in topical creams to thicken
them. Soluble alginates can be used for
preparations intended for the external use.
They have the advantage of offering a lot
of consistency and being fully absorbed by
the epidermis.
Alginates propylene glycols are suitable
stabilizers and emulsifiers for systems with
low pH concentrations of 0.25%to 2%
which make it possible to get stable
emulsions and
suspensions. Alginate solutions have
excellent lubricity, which explains their
use in the formulation of pharmaceutical
gels. Alginates also enter the formula of
different toothpaste [34].
Xanthan Gum
Xanthangum is produced by a pure culture
fermentation of carbohydrate with
the Xanthomonas Campestris. Xanthan gu
m is very thixotropic. The release of
hydrophilic xanthan matrices is also
influenced by the strength of the medium.
At low ionic strengths xanthan gums are
used as a binder in tablets formulation as
well as suspending agents, emulsifiers, and
stabilizers in toothpaste and ointments,
sustained release agent [35-36].
Guar Gum
Guar Gum is a seed gum produced from
the powdered endosperm of the seeds
of Cyamopsistetragonolobus Linn (Fam.
Leguminoseae). Guar gum is used in
pharmacy as a binding and disintegrating
agent in tablets, a viscosifying agent, and
as an adjuvant for the release of controlled
drugs. Other hydrophilic polymers, such
as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose HPMC,
are often added to the Guar gum to
improve the release control properties [37].
Chitosan and Chitin
Chitosan (Soluble Chitin) is a
polysaccharide extracted from the shells of
crustaceans, such as shrimp, crab and other
sea crustaceans, including Pandalus
borealis and cell walls of fungi. Chitin and
especially chitosan are found to have
important applications in different fields.
Table 4 displays these roles that these two
substances partake in. All applications of
chitosan are intimately linked to its poly-
cationic character, which is unique among
natural polymers. Actually, there are high-
purity, reproducible, hypoallergenic, non-
animal chitosan bio-polymers from
mushrooms, These are used in the medical
field in such areas as cellular engineering,
wound healing, culture support, gene
therapy, oncology, and ophthalmology
[38].

Table 4: Application of Chitin and Chitosan in Medical and Pharmaceutical Fields.

Fields Applications
Pharmaceutical Absorbable material with release control of active ingredients
Formation of microcapsule gels with anionic polymers
Excipients
Drug delivery systems
Vaccination adjuvant.
Encapsulation of drug
Release of drugs

Medical Treatment of epidermal lesions

Artificial blood vessels
Bandage
Angiogenic therapies
Anti-tumor agent
Anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal agent
Anticoagulant
Bioresorbable surgical sutures

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 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Domains of Chitosan and Chitin
The therapeutic use of chitosan has been
discovered rather recently. Chitosan is
used as a "vehicle" for drugs and other
therapeutic substances and as regenerative
medicine in reconstructive surgery. The
biological properties like biocompatibility
and bioactivity of chitin and chitosan
enable many pharmaceutical, biomedical
and clinical applications. Its
biocompatibility results in
hemcompatibility and low antigenicity.
The hemocompatibility of chitosan is
manifested by its anti-thrombogenic crater.
As a result, it finds applications as a
coating of objects in contact with the blood
such as vascular prostheses or heart valves.
Chitosan accelerates wound healing, or
Bio-Stimulating Activity, because
chitosan, like chitin, promotes a reduction
in unwanted collagen synthesis. These
healing properties are also used to make
sutures and surgical devices used as
dressings. During the operations, artificial
skins are made from chitosan for the
treatment of severe burns. It seems that
this skin with analgesic properties allow
healing of burns and a much faster and less
painful reconstruction of the epidermis.
Chitosan is also used to improve certain
drugs administered by ocular or nasal
route absorption, in periodontics like
mouthwash, plastic surgery and for the
renal insufficiency treatment as adjunct
treatment. Glucosamine is known for its
pain-killing, anti-inflammatory and to
prevent joints deterioration, however; the
chitosan derivatives, which are precursors
of glucosamine, offer a gradual release that
reduces the dose and thereby increase the
comfort of the patient.
These polysaccharides present interesting
potentialities in the vectorization of drugs
and the ability to encapsulate the active
ingredients in bio-polymers to promote
agradual and controlled release. In many
applications, chitosan is used in the form
of filled hydrogels to immobilize drugs
like enzymes or therapeutic substances
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Volume 1 Issue 1
such as vaccines, antigens or genes. These
hydrogels are used in oncology, gene
therapy, tissue engineering or cell biology.
During the recent years, chitosan and its
derivatives were well appreciated for its
excellent performance in pharmaceutical
applications an antiparasitic agent,
antimicrobial agent, biomaterial, wound
healing, biomedical adhesive, tissue
engineering agent, antitumoral agent, and
antioxidant agent [38-40].
Summary of the Applications of
Derivatives of Chitosan and Chitin
 Material for healing wounds; skin
regenerator; absorbable fibrous
sutures.
 Cholesterol reducer in the blood
 Water absorbent
 Fiber preparations and membranes
 An ingredient in hair products
 Additives for paper and the coating
layer
 Support in organic syntheses under
alkaline conditions
 Flocculent for wastewater treatment
 Coagulant for residual waters
treatment.
 Chemical synthesis reagent
 Complexing of toxic metals
 Agents for gelation and immobilization
of enzymes and microbes
 Chromatography gel; membranes for
dialysis and ultrafiltration; artificial
organs
 Organic synthesis reagents
 Inhibitor of the growth of bacteria,
fungi, and pathogens
 Emulsifying agent and ingredients of
beauty products; liquid crystal
 Materials for sequestering toxins and
nucleic acids
 Emulsifier
 Anticoagulant.
Poly-lactic Acid (PLA)
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable
polymer created from renewable resources
such as corn starch, tapioca or sugar cane.
 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
PLA has both ecological advantages and a
large number of applications in the
medical and pharmaceutical industries.
PLA is used as an artificial skin in tissue
engineering, has applications in bio-
absorbable sutures, orthopedic implants
and controlled release systems of drugs.
Additional applications of polylactic acid
and its composites in the medical and
pharmaceutical field areas drug carriers,
antimicrobial agents, orthopedic agents,
tissue engineering agents, antitumor
agents, urethral stents, biomaterials, and
other miscellaneous applications [41].
CONCLUSION
Biopolymers have attractive properties
particularly biodegradability,
biocompatibility, selective permeability
and modifiable physical-mechanical
properties. These properties find targeted
applications in a variety of fields,
particularly in the field of pharmacy and
medicine. The use of natural biopolymers
makes it possible to manufacture
sustained-release forms that should avoid
post-consumer peaks (diminish side and
undesirable effects) and spread the
effectiveness of this molecule over time
(decrease the number of daily doses).
Different drug carrier systems were
developed from biopolymers to improve
the efficacy of drug delivery system, and it
can be concluded that the incorporation of
the biopolymer excipients into a sustained-
release formulation provides more
interesting results and provides better
efficacy. The advantages of polymers like
the biopolymers over synthetically
produced polymers are that they are non-
toxic, inexpensive, biodegradable and
freely available. They can occupy an
important place in pharmaceutical
technology, especially in extended-release
medication applications which offer
excellent prospects in drug design.
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Volume 1 Issue 1
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The author has no conflict of interest to
declare and this review article was not
funded.
ACKNOWLODGEMENT
Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics
and Pharmacovigilance
List of Abbreviations Used
Poly-lactides (PLA), poly-glycolides
(PGA), Polylactide-co-glycolide co-
polymers (PLGA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates
(PHAs), Polyglactine (PLA-PGA),
Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), Poly hydroxy-
butyrate (PHB), Micro-cellulose (MC),
Nano-cellulose (NC), Extended release
(ER),Methylcellulose (MeC),
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Ethyl
cellulose (EC), Hydroxyethyl cellulose
(HEC), Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC),
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC),
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
(CMCNa).
SUMMARY
Medical and pharmaceutical industries are
turning to natural sources for the
enhancement of new medical and
pharmaceutical specimens because they
are inexpensive, biodegradable and
bioabsorbable, biocompatible, abundant
and freely available materials. The medical
and pharmaceutical field’s development
involve various active pharmaceutical
ingredients and biopolymers from different
sources. These biopolymers influence the
formulation development and drug
delivery process in various ways. The
diverse compositions, low toxicity,
biodegradability, resorbability, stability,
renewable nature and a wide variety of
additional benefits have fueled the interest
in biopolymers. These agents are
particularly attractive to high-value sectors
such as the pharmaceutical and medical
fields. The current review is an endeavor
to describe the utility of a variety
of biopolymers in medical and
pharmaceutical applications.
 Journal of Advances in Bio- pharmaceutics and Pharmacovigilance
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