Significance of Chemically Derivatized Starch as Drug Carrier in Developing Novel Drug Delivery Devices

Delivery of therapeutics using synthetic polymers is challenging due to toxicity, immunogenicity and impaired bioavailability following administration. However, natural polymers are being explored as safe for their use as a substitute for synthetic polymers. In the past three decades, the biomaterials like starches have been applied to impart an imperative role in delivering therapeutics. There is an increased focus on finding new sources of starches and their modifications. Hence, the derivatization of starches has become necessary to achieve desired properties. The modifications to native starch systems are being investigated to improve solubility, stability, bioavailability, etc., of an incorporated drug(s) and lower-down induced toxicities. All these requirements have led to the use of modified starches in the drug delivery of bioactive component(s). This review explores the current state of knowledge about starch structure and chemical modification methods from perspectives. It integrates aspects of its use in developing drug delivery devices like tablets, hydrogel, and patches. The information provided in this review may be applied as a reference for future chemically modified starch as excipients in drug carrier studies.