Available online on 15.06.2026 at http://jddtonline.info

Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics

Open Access to Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

Copyright  © 2026 The   Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NC 4.0 which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided the original author and source are credited

Open Access Full Text Article   Review Article

Present Developments and Prospects for Natural Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Patient-Friendly Formulations

Shiv Kumar Srivastava ¹, Mahesh Prasad ¹, Shashi Shankar ¹, Anant Prakash Pandey ¹, Abhishek Singh ¹, Antesh Kumar Jha ¹*

¹ Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology, NH-96 Ayodhya–Prayagraj Bypass Road, Faridipur, Sultanpur (U.P.), India, PIN – 228119.

 

 

1. Introduction

Over the past few decades, drug delivery methods have undergone tremendous change with the goal of increasing patient compliance, reducing side effects, and boosting therapeutic efficacy. Pediatric, elderly, and dysphagic patients are among the specific populations whose therapeutic needs are frequently not met by conventional dosage forms. The need for patient-friendly formulations that offer better therapeutic results and simplicity of administration has grown as a result. Because of their distinct physicochemical and biological characteristics, natural polymers have become interesting pharmacological excipients. These polymers, which include materials like sodium alginate, pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, chitosan, gelatin, starch, and Plantago ovata husk, come from plant, animal, microbiological, and marine sources. They are good choices for pharmaceutical applications due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, affordability, and environmental sustainability. ^1,2,3,4 Natural polymers are widely used in hydrogels, nanoparticles, microbeads, fast-dissolving tablets, sustained-release tablets, and in situ gel systems. ^{5, 6} Their gel-forming capabilities, mucoadhesive qualities, and swelling behavior are crucial for regulating medication release and improving drug absorption. Plantago ovata husk was successfully used as a natural superdisintegrant in fast-dissolving glipizide tablets showing its exceptional swelling and disintegration properties. ^{6, 7} Similarly, hydrogel systems and microbeads based on sodium alginate have demonstrated great promise in applications involving controlled and prolonged drug delivery. ^{7, 8} Additionally, natural polymer-based in situ nasal gels have been studied for longer mucosal residence times and improved CNS drug delivery. ⁶

2. Classification of Natural Polymers

Because of their non-toxic nature, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness, natural polymers are frequently utilized in pharmaceutical formulations. Natural sources include plants, animals, microbes, and marine life provide these polymers.⁹ Natural polymers are crucial to the development of cutting-edge drug delivery methods, patient compliance, medication stability, and drug release control in contemporary pharmaceutics. Natural polymers can be categorized as plant-based, animal-based, microbial, or marine based on where they come from. Each class has distinct functional and physicochemical characteristics that make them appropriate for a range of medicinal uses. ¹ 

 

2.1 Plant-Based Polymers

One of the most popular natural excipients in pharmaceutical formulations is a polymer generated from plants. They are affordable, readily accessible, renewable, and reasonably safe for human consumption. Seeds, fruits, roots, gum, and plants that produce mucilage are the principal sources of these polymers.¹⁰ Plant based natural polymers, their sources, key properties, pharmaceutical applications, and advantages are shown in table 1. ^11-26

 

 

Table 1: Plant-Based Natural Polymers 

Plant Polymer	Source	Key Properties	Pharmaceutical Applications	Advantages
Starch	Obtained from corn, potato, rice, and wheat	Contains amylose and amylopectin; swelling and binding properties	Used as binder, disintegrant, and filler in tablets and capsules; modified starch used in sustained-release systems	Rapid tablet disintegration due to swelling property
Guar Gum	Seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba	Thickening, binding, and gelling properties	Sustained-release tablets and colon-targeted drug delivery systems	Forms viscous gel barrier for controlled drug release; biodegradable and biocompatible
Pectin	Citrus fruits and apple pomace	Gel-forming and mucoadhesive properties	Controlled-release systems, nasal gels, colon-targeted formulations, hydrogels, nanoparticles	Improves drug retention and provides biodegradable delivery systems
Sodium Alginate	Brown algae	Gel-forming ability in presence of calcium ions	Microbeads, hydrogels, floating systems, wound dressings, sustained-release formulations	Excellent biocompatibility and controlled drug release capability
Psyllium Husk	Seeds of Plantago ovata	Highly swellable mucilage and water absorption properties	Fast dissolving tablets, sustained-release systems, gastrointestinal formulations	Acts as natural superdisintegrant and enhances drug dissolution
Xanthan Gum	Fermentation of sugars using Xanthomonas campestris	Thickening, stabilizing, and suspending properties	Oral liquids, gels, sustained-release matrix tablets	Improves viscosity and stability of formulations
Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic)	Stems and branches of Acacia species	Emulsifying, binding, and stabilizing properties	Suspensions, emulsions, lozenges, and tablet formulations	Enhances viscosity and formulation stability

 

 

 

 

 

2.2 Animal-Based Polymers

Animal- based natural polymers, their sources, key properties, pharmaceutical applications, and advantages are shown in table 2. ^27-40  

Table 2: Animal-Based Natural Polymers

Animal Polymer	Source	Key Properties	Pharmaceutical/Biomedical Applications	Special Features/Advantages
Gelatin	Obtained by hydrolysis of collagen from animal skin, bones, and connective tissues	Excellent film-forming, gelling, and biocompatible properties	Hard and soft gelatin capsules, tablet coating, microencapsulation, wound healing formulations	Improves drug stability, bioavailability, and formulation flexibility
Collagen	Structural protein present in connective tissues	Biocompatible, biodegradable, low immunogenicity	Tissue engineering, wound healing, scaffolds, sponges, films, controlled drug delivery	Supports tissue regeneration and sustained drug release
Chitosan	Produced by deacetylation of chitin from shrimp and crab shells	Mucoadhesive, antimicrobial, permeation-enhancing, biodegradable	Nasal, ocular, oral, and transdermal drug delivery systems; nanoparticles and hydrogels	Enhances drug absorption and targeted drug delivery
Dextran	Produced by bacteria such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides	Branched polysaccharide with stabilizing and carrier properties	Plasma volume expander, nanoparticles, hydrogels, targeted drug delivery	Useful in tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery
Pullulan  [	Produced by fungus Aureobasidium pullulans	Water-soluble, film-forming, oxygen barrier properties	Capsule formulations, oral films, edible coatings, pharmaceutical packaging	Improves film quality and packaging stability
Gellan Gum	Produced by Sphingomonas elodea through fermentation	Ion-sensitive gel-forming property	In situ gels, ophthalmic preparations, nasal formulations, sustained-release systems	Enhances drug residence time and bioavailability

 

 

3. Advantages of Natural Polymers in Drug Delivery

Concerns about toxicity, environmental effect, biocompatibility, and patient safety have led to a rise in interest in substituting natural polymers for synthetic excipients in recent years. Nowadays, a wide range of drug delivery devices, such as tablets, capsules, hydrogels, microbeads, nanoparticles, transdermal patches, and in situ gels, use natural polymers. ⁴¹ Natural polymers provide a number of advantages over synthetic polymers, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, low cost, easy availability, eco-friendliness, better patient acceptability, fewer side effects, and increased medication stability. They are therefore good candidates for the creation of sophisticated and patient-friendly medication delivery systems. ^{3, 4, 9, 42}

3.1. Biocompatibility

The outstanding biocompatibility of natural polymers is one of their main benefits. The capacity of a material to interact with biological tissues without producing dangerous or damaging reactions is referred to as biocompatibility. The human body often tolerates natural polymers well because they come from biological origins. Polymers that are extremely compatible with physiological systems include alginate, gelatin, chitosan, guar gum, pectin, and psyllium husk. When taken orally, topically, nasally, or by other methods, they do not cause noticeable irritation or inflammatory reactions. This characteristic is especially crucial when creating hydrogels, mucoadhesive drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and controlled-release systems. Additionally, biocompatibility lowers the possibility of tissue damage or allergic reactions and enhances the safety profile of pharmacological formulations. As a result, natural polymers are frequently chosen for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications that call for extended contact with biological tissues. ^43-45  

3.2. Biodegradability

Natural polymers are biodegradable, which means that biological processes like enzyme degradation or microbial action can break them down into innocuous molecules. Because it keeps the body from accumulating polymer residues, this feature is very advantageous in pharmacological and biological applications. Biodegradable polymers break down over time into straightforward, non-toxic substances that the body can naturally get rid of. This property is particularly helpful in wound healing systems, microspheres, nanoparticles, and sustained-release implants where long-term retention of non-biodegradable materials could lead to issues. For instance, systems based on chitosan, gelatin, alginate, and starch can safely break down following drug release. Additionally, biodegradability makes it unnecessary to remove drug delivery devices surgically, which improves patient convenience and lowers treatment costs. ^{. 46-48} 

3.3. Non-Toxicity

Since natural polymers are derived from biological sources, they are typically regarded as harmless and non-toxic. The culinary, pharmaceutical, and medical industries have long employed the majority of natural polymers. Natural polymers typically show little toxicity, in contrast to some manufactured excipients that may yield hazardous breakdown products or irritating effects. This feature is crucial for formulations meant for elderly, pediatric, and chronically ill patients who need long-term medication therapy. Oral formulations, suspensions, emulsions, and topical medicines frequently contain polymers such sodium alginate, guar gum, acacia gum, and pectin, which are acknowledged as acceptable pharmaceutical excipients. Patient safety and therapeutic acceptance are greatly enhanced by their low toxicity. ^{9, 49} 

3.4. Low Cost

The fact that natural polymers are less expensive than synthetic polymers is another significant benefit. The majority of natural polymers can be found in large quantities in renewable sources like seaweed, plants, and microbial fermentation. For instance, cheap substances like starch, guar gum, psyllium husk, and acacia gum can successfully substitute expensive synthetic excipients in a variety of formulations. Natural polymers' economic benefit promotes large-scale industrial production and makes medications more widely available to the general public. ^{50, 51} 

3.5. Easy Availability

Natural polymers derived from sustainable natural resources are generally accessible. While marine polymers like alginate and carrageenan are extracted from seaweed, plant-derived polymers like starch, pectin, guar gum, and psyllium husk are readily acquired from agricultural sources. Natural polymers guarantee a steady supply of pharmaceutical raw materials due to their widespread availability. This promotes sustainable pharmaceutical production and lessens reliance on petrochemical industries. Research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical sciences are also made easier by easy access. Without major procurement challenges, researchers can easily investigate various natural polymers for novel drug delivery applications.   ^{1,3,4, 9} 

3.6. Eco-Friendly Nature

In today's pharmaceutical businesses, environmental sustainability has grown in importance. Because they are made from natural resources, renewable, and biodegradable, natural polymers are regarded as environmentally benign. Green chemistry and sustainable pharmaceutical practices are supported by the use of natural polymers. Their renewable source lessens the impact on the environment and encourages ecological equilibrium. As a result, in an effort to reduce their influence on the environment, the pharmaceutical industry is moving more and more toward natural excipients. ^{52, 53} 

3.7. Better Patient Acceptability

Fast-dissolving tablets, oral films, chewable tablets, hydrogels, in situ gels, and sustained-release systems are just a few of the patient-friendly dosage forms that make extensive use of natural polymers. Natural polymers improve the flexibility, quick disintegration, and convenience of administration of fast-dissolving tablets and oral films without requiring water. They enhance the texture, binding qualities, and palatability of chewable pills, which increases patient compliance. Because of their biocompatibility, high water retention, and extended drug release, hydrogels and in situ gels make dosing less frequent and more comfortable. Natural polymers help regulate medication release over a longer duration in sustained-release systems, increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing adverse effects. Pediatric, elderly, and dysphagic patients—who frequently have trouble swallowing traditional tablets and capsules—benefit most from these formulations. For instance, fast-dissolving pills made of psyllium husk and starch quickly dissolve in saliva, improving patient convenience and compliance. Therapeutic success is greatly influenced by improved palatability and ease of use. ^54-56   

3.8. Reduced Side Effects

By regulating drug release and reducing variations in plasma drug concentration, natural polymers aid in the reduction of adverse drug reactions. By providing gradual and prolonged medication release, sustained-release and controlled-release systems made with natural polymers minimize side effects related to peak drug concentrations and decrease the frequency of administration. Additionally, mucoadhesive natural polymers enhance localized medication delivery while lowering systemic exposure and undesirable side effects. For example, topical hydrogels and nasal gels made with natural polymers offer tailored medication administration with less systemic toxicity. Furthermore, natural polymers have less negative formulation-related effects because they are non-toxic and less irritating. ^{55, 57, 58}  

3.9. Improved Drug Stability

Pharmaceutical formulations can be made more chemically and physically stable by adding natural polymers. They shield medications against environmental deterioration brought on by light, moisture, air, and temperature changes. By creating protective barriers around drug molecules, hydrogels, microbeads, nanoparticles, and matrix systems made with natural polymers increase therapeutic stability and shelf life. Sensitive medications, proteins, and peptides are frequently encapsulated and stabilized using polymers including alginate, pectin, gelatin, and chitosan. Enhanced drug stability lowers the possibility of degradation during storage and delivery and guarantees consistent therapeutic efficacy. ^{9, 59, 60} 

4. Natural Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems

By offering safe, biodegradable, and patient-friendly substitutes for synthetic excipients, natural polymers have completely transformed the production of pharmaceutical formulations. They are ideal for sophisticated drug delivery systems because of their special physicochemical characteristics, which include the capacity for regulated drug release, mucoadhesion, gel formation, swelling, and viscosity increase. Formulations based on natural polymers increase patient compliance, decrease side effects, and improve therapeutic efficacy. The most significant drug delivery systems created with natural polymers include hydrogels, in situ gels, microbeads, fast-dissolving tablets, and sustained-release systems. ^{3, 9, 61} Natural polymer- based drug delivery systems are shown in Table 3. ^{56, 62-65}

 

 

Table 3: Natural polymer- based drug delivery systems

Drug Delivery System	Definition / Principle	Natural Polymers Used	Mechanism of Action	Advantages
Fast Dissolving Tablets (FDTs)	Solid dosage forms that rapidly disintegrate in saliva without water.	Plantago ovata husk (psyllium), guar gum, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, starch derivatives	Swelling, wicking, water absorption, particle repulsion	Rapid onset of action, improved patient compliance, easy administration, enhanced bioavailability, reduced choking risk
Sustained Release Systems	Formulations designed to release drugs slowly over an extended period.	HPMC, sodium alginate, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum	Polymer swelling, gel layer formation, diffusion, matrix erosion	Reduced dosing frequency, stable plasma concentration, reduced side effects, improved adherence
Microbeads / Microspheres	Multiparticulate systems for controlled and site-specific drug delivery.	Sodium alginate, starch, gelatin, chitosan	Ionotropic gelation, encapsulation, controlled diffusion	Improved stability, targeted delivery, reduced gastric irritation, controlled drug release
In Situ Gel Systems	Liquid formulations that convert into gels under physiological conditions.	Gellan gum, pectin, sodium alginate, chitosan, xanthan gum	Sol-to-gel transition triggered by pH, ions, or temperature	Prolonged retention, enhanced bioavailability, sustained release, improved mucosal adhesion
Hydrogel Systems	Three-dimensional cross-linked polymeric networks capable of absorbing large amounts of water.	Alginate, chitosan, pectin, gelatin, carrageenan	Swelling-controlled diffusion and polymer relaxation	High biocompatibility, soft structure, excellent swelling, improved patient comfort

 

 

 

5. Patient-Friendly Formulations

The goal of patient-friendly formulations is to increase adherence, acceptability, and convenience of administration, as explained in Table 4 given below:  ^66-69

Table 4: Patient-Friendly Formulations

Patient Group	Challenges	Natural Polymers Used	Suitable Formulations	Major Advantages
Pediatric Patients	Difficulty swallowing, variable dosing, fear of medication	Starch, guar gum, sodium alginate, pectin, xanthan gum, psyllium husk	Orodispersible tablets, suspensions, chewable tablets, oral liquids	Easy administration, rapid disintegration, improved palatability and compliance
Geriatric Patients	Dysphagia, reduced saliva, polypharmacy, poor adherence	Psyllium husk, sodium alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum	Fast dissolving tablets, sustained-release systems	Reduced choking risk, prolonged drug release, better convenience
Dysphagic Patients	Difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules	Pectin, xanthan gum, sodium alginate, gelatin	Oral films, hydrogels, suspensions, in situ gels	Smooth swallowing, enhanced comfort, improved drug absorption

 

6. Recent Advances in natural polymer

Recent developments in natural polymer research are shown in Table 5: ^{44, 70-76} 

Table 5: Recent developments in natural polymer

Recent Advancement	Role of Natural Polymers	Applications	Advantages
Nanotechnology-Based Systems	Chitosan, alginate, gelatin, dextran, and pectin are used in nanoparticle preparation due to their biocompatibility and controlled-release properties.	Cancer therapy, CNS drug delivery, vaccine delivery, oral peptide delivery	Improved bioavailability, targeted delivery, reduced toxicity, controlled release
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs)	Natural polymers such as chitosan and alginate are used as coating materials to improve mucoadhesion and sustained release.	Topical delivery, ocular delivery, antifungal therapy, brain targeting	Enhanced drug stability, prolonged release, better skin penetration
Smart Hydrogels	Alginate, gelatin, carrageenan, and pectin form responsive hydrogel networks with high swelling capacity.	Controlled drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, injectable systems	Site-specific release, improved patient comfort, prolonged release
Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery	Chitosan, sodium alginate, pectin, and xanthan gum improve adhesion and drug absorption.	Nasal delivery, buccal systems, ocular formulations, vaginal delivery	Enhanced bioavailability, prolonged retention, reduced dosing frequency
AI-Assisted Formulation Optimization	AI helps optimize polymer concentration, swelling behavior, and drug release characteristics of natural polymer-based systems.	Tablet optimization, hydrogel development, nanoparticle formulation	Reduced development time, improved reproducibility, better quality control
3D Printed Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms	Alginate, gelatin, and chitosan are used as printable biomaterials because of their gel-forming properties.	Personalized medicine, pediatric dosage forms, implants, controlled-release tablets	Customized dosing, patient-centric therapy, flexible drug release
Targeted Drug Delivery Systems	Natural polymers are used in nanoparticles, microspheres, and hydrogels for targeted delivery.	Cancer therapy, brain targeting, colon-targeted delivery	Reduced side effects, improved efficacy, site-specific delivery
Personalized Medicine	Natural polymers support flexible dosing and patient-friendly dosage form development.	Pediatric formulations, geriatric dosage forms, chronic disease management	Better therapeutic outcomes, improved adherence, reduced adverse effects

 

7. Challenges Associated with Natural Polymers

Challenges Associated with Natural Polymers are explained in Table 6. ^{4, 55, 77- 80} 

Table 6: Challenges Associated with Natural Polymers

Challenge	Explanation	Impact on Formulations	Possible Solution
Batch-to-Batch Variability	Natural polymers vary due to differences in climate, cultivation, harvesting, and extraction methods.	May affect viscosity, swelling, drug release, and product consistency.	Standardization of raw materials and strict quality control measures.
Microbial Contamination	Natural polymers are susceptible to microbial growth during storage and processing.	Can reduce shelf life, stability, and patient safety.	Sterilization, preservatives, and proper storage conditions.
Poor Mechanical Strength	Many natural polymers have weak tensile and structural properties.	Tablets, films, and hydrogels may become fragile or unstable.	Cross-linking, polymer blending, and chemical modification.
Stability Issues	Environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and pH can alter polymer properties.	May affect drug stability and formulation performance during storage.	Use of stabilizers, protective packaging, and optimized storage conditions.
Limited Reproducibility	Natural variability makes consistent formulation performance difficult.	Creates challenges in large-scale manufacturing and quality assurance.	Process optimization and advanced analytical characterization techniques.
Need for Standardization and Purification	Natural polymers may contain impurities and unwanted residues.	Impurities can affect safety, efficacy, and regulatory acceptance.	Purification, characterization, and regulatory quality evaluation.

 

8. Regulatory Considerations

Regulatory Considerations of natural polymers are given in Table 7. ^81-85  

Table 7: Challenges Associated with Natural Polymers

Regulatory Consideration	Explanation	Importance
Safety Evaluation	Assessment of irritation, allergenicity, and biocompatibility of natural polymers.	Ensures patient safety and suitability for long-term use.
Toxicity Studies	Acute and chronic toxicity testing of natural excipients.	Identifies toxic effects and safe dosage limits.
Quality Control	Testing for purity, viscosity, microbial load, and physicochemical properties.	Maintains formulation stability and batch consistency.
Standardization	Standardization of extraction and processing methods.	Reduces batch variability and improves reproducibility.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)	Regulation of manufacturing, packaging, and storage processes.	Prevents contamination and ensures product quality.
Pharmacopoeial Compliance	Compliance with standards of IP, USP, BP, and EP.	Confirms identity, purity, and pharmaceutical acceptability.

 

 

 

9. Future Perspectives 

Due to the quick developments in biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, and material sciences, the future of natural polymer-based drug delivery systems seems quite bright. For the creation of safer, biodegradable, and patient-friendly pharmaceutical formulations, natural polymers like alginate, chitosan, gelatin, pectin, guar gum, and xanthan gum are being investigated more and more. They are ideal for cutting-edge therapeutic applications due to their special qualities, which include biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and eco-friendliness. Natural polymer-based systems are anticipated to play a significant role in upcoming pharmaceutical advances as healthcare systems continue to shift toward personalized and precision treatment. ^{4, 86}   AI-driven formulation design is one of the most significant areas of future research. By facilitating quick formulation parameter prediction and optimization, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are revolutionizing pharmaceutical research. Because drug release patterns are greatly influenced by polymer concentration, swelling behavior, viscosity, and cross-linking, natural polymer-based systems are frequently complex. Large experimental datasets can be analyzed by AI tools to find the best polymer and formulation variable combinations. This method lowers experimental mistakes, speeds up formulation development, and enhances reproducibility. Future controlled-release systems, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and patient-specific medications may benefit from automated formulation development and predictive modeling made possible by AI-assisted technologies. ^{73, 87, 88} Personalized medicine, which focuses on adjusting treatment based on each patient's unique physiological condition, genetic profile, age, and disease state, is another exciting field. Because they provide adjustable dosing, controlled drug release, and dosage form customisation, natural polymers are ideal for individualized medication delivery. Patient-specific tablets, implants, oral films, and hydrogels can be created by combining natural polymer-based biomaterials with technologies like 3D printing. For patients who need customized therapy and dose modifications, such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, personalized formulations are very helpful. ^{74, 89} Another area of pharmaceutical sciences that is expanding quickly is the creation of smart responsive hydrogels. Smart hydrogels are stimuli-responsive systems that can respond to light, enzymes, temperature, pH, and ionic concentration. Because of their superior swelling and gel-forming qualities, natural polymers including alginate, chitosan, gelatin, and pectin are being used more and more to create these sophisticated hydrogel systems. Drugs can be selectively released at the target site via smart hydrogels, increasing therapeutic efficacy and lowering systemic side effects. Injectable smart hydrogels with tissue regeneration, self-healing, and real-time controlled medication release for cancer treatment and chronic illnesses could result from future study. ^{90, 91}   It is anticipated that biopolymer engineering would greatly increase the use of natural polymers in medication delivery systems. Natural polymers have many benefits, but their medicinal usage may be limited by issues like instability, batch variability, and inadequate mechanical strength. To enhance the functionality and performance of polymers, contemporary biopolymer engineering techniques such as chemical modification, grafting, cross-linking, and copolymerization are being used. Future drug delivery systems may be more effective thanks to engineered biopolymers with improved stability, mucoadhesion, mechanical strength, and targeting capability. ^{92, 93}The advancement of green pharmaceutical technologies is another significant future path. Growing industrial waste and environmental degradation have made environmental sustainability a top priority for the pharmaceutical industry. Natural polymers are biodegradable and renewable materials that help in environmentally responsible pharmaceutical production. Green extraction techniques, solvent-free processing, ecologically safe manufacturing techniques, and sustainable packaging are anticipated to be the main emphasis of future pharmaceutical technology. Using natural polymers can help produce pharmaceuticals in an environmentally friendly manner and lessen reliance on artificial petrochemical excipients.⁵² Commercial patient-centric dosage form development is also becoming more and more crucial. Enhancing patient convenience, treatment compliance, and therapeutic results are key components of contemporary healthcare systems. When creating patient-friendly formulations including oral films, hydrogels, chewable tablets, fast-dissolving tablets, sustained-release systems, and in situ gels, natural polymers is a great choice. In order to create extremely effective and practical medication delivery methods, future dosage forms may incorporate a variety of technologies, including nanotechnology, AI optimization, and smart polymers. Particularly for dysphagic, elderly, and pediatric patients, these sophisticated formulations can enhance drug adherence.  ^{94, 95}

10. Conclusion

In order to create patient-friendly formulations and sophisticated drug delivery systems, natural polymers have become extremely valuable pharmaceutical excipients. They are good substitutes for synthetic polymers because to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, cost, and environmental sustainability. Alginate, chitosan, gelatin, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, and psyllium husk are examples of natural polymers that have shown great promise in hydrogels, nanoparticles, microbeads, fast-dissolving tablets, sustained-release systems, and in situ gel formulations. Particularly for pediatric, elderly, and dysphagic patients, these systems improve therapeutic efficacy, increase drug stability, decrease side effects, and boost patient compliance. The use of natural polymers in contemporary pharmaceutics has been reinforced by recent developments in nanotechnology, smart hydrogels, AI-assisted formulation creation, targeted drug delivery, and 3D printing. However, additional standardization and regulatory control are needed to address difficulties such batch variability, microbiological contamination, low mechanical strength, and stability problems. To optimize the clinical and commercial potential of natural polymer-based drug delivery, future research should concentrate on biopolymer engineering, customized medicine, and green pharmaceutical technologies.

Authors Contributions: 

Shiv Kumar Srivastava: Critical Analysis & Interpretation

Mahesh Prasad: Conceptualization

Shashi Shankar: Literature Search & Data Collection

Anant Prakash Pandey: Literature Search & Data Collection

Abhishek Kumar Singh: Literature Search & Data Collection

Antesh Kumar Jha: Writing – Original Draft

Funding sources: This paper did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Competing interests/Conflicts of interest: Not Any

Ethical Approval: Not applicable

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