Cellulose-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Objective. The purpose of this scholarly review was to provide an overview encompassing the new and current uses of cellulosebased polymers in the drug delivery industry based on the experimental and clinical data of over 200 articles. Background. 37 Scientists have labored to produce and publish clinically valuable resources which are often overlooked due to the amount of data available. This can be challenging for a researcher looking to devise a new method of drug delivery using established relevant data as a basis of experimentation. Methods. A comprehensive database search was conducted over most cellulose based products currently used in drug delivery applications. Data on material/dosage form, instruments, scientific objectives/approaches, and outcomes was compiled in order to obtain a clear understanding on the state of the art uses of cellulose in drug delivery formulation. Results. It was noted that dosage forms modified by cellulose ethers display a specific interaction with water and general drug release mechanisms. The effect of the drug solubility and loading on the diffusion mechanism in swellable matrices, and the desirable shape and dimension of a drug loaded in such matrices were highlighted among factors facilitating the development of new controlled drug delivery products. Conclusion. This comprehensive review can potentially be used by researchers in the drug delivery area to modify and to develop more effective drug products with controlled release mechanisms.