ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the properties of Chitosan (CS) and modified CS as associated with drug delivery systems. CS is the most important derivative obtained from chitin. Chitin is the second most ubiquitous natural polysaccharide after cellulose on earth. The basicity of CS due to the presence of primary amino group resulted into some unique properties like polyoxysalt formation, ability to form films, chelate metal ions and specific structural characteristics. CS has been regarded as a source of potential bioactive material, but it also has several limitations to be utilized in biological system, including its poor solubility under physiological condition. The ability of CS to degrade within a biological system is based on the degree of de-acetylation that occurs in it during processing. The development of new delivery system for the control release of drug is one of the most interesting fields of research in pharmaceutical sciences.
