Stimuli-responsive polysaccharides for colon-targeted drug delivery

Polysaccharides are widely available, inexpensive and versatile polymer having good stability, safety, low biotoxicity, hydrophilicity, gelling ability, flexibility for chemical modification and biodegradability, which offer a vista of drug delivery applications. There are number polysaccharides like chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, dextrans, cyclodextrins, guar gum, pectin, inulin, etc., which have been exploited for colon-specific delivery. This chapter summarizes various polysaccharides and approaches based on microflora and pH for stimuli-responsive drug delivery for colon targeting with special emphasis on drug delivery systems, such as microspheres, nanoparticles, hydrogels, matrices, and beads.