Polysaccharide Containing Gels for Pharmaceutical Applications

Bio-derived polymers are falling into the needs of pharmaceutical formulations for topical applications due to their gelling ability. Generally, in topical delivery, as an alternative way for local and systemic application of active substances, formulations in gelling form are preferred as they have multiple advantages, e.g., minimize systemic side effects, avoid gastrointestinal irritation, prevent the metabolism of the active substance in liver, etc. The present chapter reviews bio-based polymers with special reference to polysaccharides-based hydrogels with respect to their pharmaceutical applications.