PHARAMACEUTICAL RELEVANCE OF CROSSLINKED CHITOSAN IN MICROPARTICULATE DRUG DELIVERY

This review highlights the importance of cross-linking with chitosan. Derivatisation of chitosan leads to the cross-linking of chitosan without changing its fundamental skelton structure. Cross-linking agents are broadly divided into two categories i.e Physical and chemical cross-linking; on the basis of interaction with chitosan. The various cross-linking agents used for the preparation of chitosan microspheres and its mechanism of cross-linking have also been described. This article also reviewed the implications of cross-linking agents and the novel applications of cross-linked chitosan matrix.