Recent update on alginate based promising transdermal drug delivery systems

Alongside oral delivery of therapeutics, transdermal delivery systems have gained increased patient acceptability over past few decades. With increasing popularity, novel techniques were employed for transdermal drug targeting which involves microneedle patches, transdermal films and hydrogel based formulations. Hydrogel forming ability along with other rheological behaviour makes natural polysaccharides an attractive option for transdermal use. Being a marine originated anionic polysaccharide, alginates are widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. Alginate possesses excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility and mucoadhesive properties. Owing to many favourable properties required for transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), the application of alginates are increasing in recent times. This review summarizes the source and properties of alginate along with several transdermal delivery techniques including the application of alginate for respective transdermal systems.

Automated summary

In addition to oral delivery, transdermal delivery systems have become more acceptable to patients in recent decades. Novel techniques such as microneedle patches, transdermal films, and hydrogel formulations have been employed for transdermal drug targeting. Natural polysaccharides, with their ability to form hydrogels and other rheological behavior, are attractive options for transdermal use. Alginate, an anionic polysaccharide originated from marine sources, is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries due to its excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mucoadhesive properties. Due to its favorable properties for transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), the application of alginate has been increasing in recent times. This review summarizes the source and properties of alginate, as well as several transdermal delivery techniques, including the application of alginate for respective transdermal systems.