Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively analyze the research and application progress of starch as a drug delivery carrier.
METHODS: A computer search was performed for articles published from January 1991 to December 2009. Articles related to the drug carrier and drug controlled release preparation were included, while duplicated articles or Meta analysis articles were excluded. Totally 24 articles mainly discussed the types and performance of tissue engineered blood vessel materials.
RESULTS: As a new drug carrier, starch can serve as a type of biodegradable polymers, based on its good biocompatibility, it plays a very important role in research and development of pharmaceutical controlled release additives, also in increasing treatment effect. Articles have introduced the general characteristics, synthetic methods, drug carrying approaches and development of starch functional materials such as starch matrix tablets, microcapsules, microspheres and starch nanoparticles.
CONCLUSION: At present, the nano-particle has attracted widespread concern from research workers due to its unique advantages. By surface modification or the use of special materials, nanoparticles could reach target, contributing to the absorption of insoluble drugs, and improving drug bioavailability and stability, in particular, the capacity of targeting into cells indicates a potential application in the field of tumor treatment.