Antibacterial Drug Development Using Starch Nanoparticles

Abstract

The naturally available carbohydrate polymer, starch, is biodegradable and biocompatible, making it suitable for drug encapsulation due to the presence of various hydroxy functionalities. Multidrug resistance in antibacterial agents can sometimes limit their use and pose toxicity issues due to dose-related problems resulting from the low bioavailability or solubility of hydrophobic drugs. To address this issue, antibiotics are delivered using nanocarriers that protect therapeutic agents from degradation and enhance the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. This review article discusses the utilization of starch nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles or carriers for antibacterial agents.