Abstract

BIODEGRADABLE CAPSULES: A REVIEW

Harsha Kharkwal*, Kumud bala and Deepshikha Pande Katare

ABSTRACT

The whole world is turning towards natural and slowly yet steadily synthetic is taking a backseat. Synthetic capsules become more challenging for an environment today. So to overcome this problem, the most promising solution is an invention of biodegradable capsules which plays an important role having improved efficacy and safety over injectables. In this work, we have explored the possibility of preparing natural polymer based biodegradable capsules which might be a better alternative than synthetic and gelatin based capsules. This review focusses on the work done by some scientists for the preparation of biodegradable capsules based on starch-pectin, pectincasein, sodium alginate-chitosan, chitosan-chitosansulfate. All the materials used are bio-derived and completely biodegradable. Biodegradable capsules can be synthesized and characterized for the control release of drugs. Various techniques are adopted to synthesize biodegradable capsules like phase separation technique, ionotrophic gelation technique, layer-by-layer deposition method, by complex coacervation, etc. Although not a permanent cure, biodegradable capsules can provide lasting release of molecules into the body.

Keywords: Biodegradable capsules, pectin, chitin, chitosansulfate, starch, casein.