Abstract

NATURAL BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS: A CONCISE REVIEW ON APPLICATIONS IN PHARMACEUTICAL, FOOD AND COSMETIC INDUSTRIES

Arati Rajput, Vibha*, Devender Pathak and Taruna Pal

.

Abstract

Excipients and active ingredients (API) are the two major components of every pharmaceutical formulation. Excipients help in the manufacturing of dosage form as well as improve physicochemical properties of the dosage form. As an excipient, Polymers play important function in any dosage form. Polymers should have the ability to influence medication release and be compatible, non-toxic, stable, and cost-effective, among other things. They are broadly classified in three categories namely natural polymers, semi-synthetic and synthetic polymers. In the oral drug delivery system, natural biodegradable polymers are commonly used as rate controllers, taste masking agents, protective and stabilising agents. Certain polymers are utilised to promote consistent medication distribution, reducing dosage frequency and increasing therapeutic efficacy through localization at the site of action. Nowadays, due to many problems associated with drug release and side effects of synthetic biodegradable polymers manufacturers are inclined towards using natural polymers. Natural polymers being polysaccharides are biocompatible and without any side effects. Applications of natural biodegradable polymers in pharmacy are large in comparison to the synthetic biodegradable polymers and have wide scope in food and the cosmetic industry. This review discusses various natural biodegradable polymers, their role and use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industry.

Keywords: Biodegradable polymer, Degradation, Emulsifier, Stabilizer and Biocompatible.