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

Authors

  • Shiv Kumar Srivastava Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology, NH-96 Ayodhya–Prayagraj Bypass Road, Faridipur, Sultanpur (U.P.), India, PIN – 228119. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8356-2767
  • Mahesh Prasad Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology, NH-96 Ayodhya–Prayagraj Bypass Road, Faridipur, Sultanpur (U.P.), India, PIN – 228119. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7329-188X
  • Shashi Shankar Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology, NH-96 Ayodhya–Prayagraj Bypass Road, Faridipur, Sultanpur (U.P.), India, PIN – 228119. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0336-0659
  • Anant Prakash Pandey Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology, NH-96 Ayodhya–Prayagraj Bypass Road, Faridipur, Sultanpur (U.P.), India, PIN – 228119. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9255-1786
  • Abhishek Singh Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology, NH-96 Ayodhya–Prayagraj Bypass Road, Faridipur, Sultanpur (U.P.), India, PIN – 228119. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3026-7459
  • Antesh Kumar Jha Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology, NH-96 Ayodhya–Prayagraj Bypass Road, Faridipur, Sultanpur (U.P.), India, PIN – 228119. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8742-8215

Abstract

Natural polymer-based drug delivery systems have gained significant attention in pharmaceutical research due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, affordability, and eco-friendly nature. Derived from plant, animal, microbial, and marine sources, these polymers play an important role in developing advanced and patient-friendly formulations. Commonly used natural polymers include sodium alginate, pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, chitosan, starch, and psyllium husk. Their unique properties such as swelling, gel formation, mucoadhesion, viscosity enhancement, and controlled drug release make them suitable for various drug delivery systems including fast-dissolving tablets, sustained-release formulations, hydrogels, nanoparticles, microbeads, and in situ gels. These systems improve therapeutic efficacy, enhance drug stability, reduce side effects, and increase patient compliance, especially in pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. The uses of natural polymers in pharmaceutical sciences have been further increased by recent developments in nanotechnology, smart hydrogels, mucoadhesive systems, targeted drug delivery, AI-assisted formulation optimization, and 3D printing. Their industrial use is nevertheless restricted by problems such batch-to-batch variability, microbiological contamination, inadequate mechanical strength, stability concerns, and lack of standardization, despite their many benefits. Therefore, maintaining product safety and reproducibility requires appropriate purification, quality control, and regulatory review. Future projections show that natural polymers will be increasingly integrated with intelligent drug delivery systems, green pharmaceutical technology, and personalized treatment. All things considered, natural polymers present a promising platform for the creation of pharmaceutical formulations that are patient-centered, safe, and sustainable and have a great deal of potential for therapeutic uses in the future.

Keywords: Drug delivery techniques; natural polymers; Biodegradable polymers; patient-friendly formulations; Smart hydrogels and regulated medication release

Keywords:

Drug delivery techniques, natural polymers, Biodegradable polymers, patient-friendly formulations, Smart hydrogels, regulated medication release

DOI

https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v16i6.7842

Author Biographies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2026-06-15
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Srivastava SK, Prasad M, Shankar S, Pandey AP, Singh A, Jha AK. Present Developments and Prospects for Natural Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Patient-Friendly Formulations. J. Drug Delivery Ther. [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 15 [cited 2026 Jun. 15];16(6):251-62. Available from: https://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/7842

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Vol. 16 No. 6 (2026): Volume 16, Issue 6, June 2026

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Review

Copyright (c) 2026 Shiv Kumar Srivastava , Mahesh Prasad , Shashi Shankar , Anant Prakash Pandey, Abhishek Singh , Antesh Kumar Jha

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How to Cite

1.
Srivastava SK, Prasad M, Shankar S, Pandey AP, Singh A, Jha AK. Present Developments and Prospects for Natural Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Patient-Friendly Formulations. J. Drug Delivery Ther. [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 15 [cited 2026 Jun. 15];16(6):251-62. Available from: https://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/7842
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