ABSTRACT
Pectin, a naturally occurring, biodegradable heteropolysaccharides, comprised of (1,4)-linked α-d-galacturonic acid entities and numerous neutral sugars like D-galactose, L-arabinose, and D-xylose, etc., has grabbed the attention of scientists in last few years because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. It has found promising applications in an arena of drug delivery and biomedical field. On the basis of its degree of esterification (DE), it has been classified into two major groups, i.e., low methoxy pectin (LMP) and high methoxyl pectin (HMP). The pectin chains combine to form the three-dimensional frameworks leading to the formation of a gel. The pectin properties can be enhanced and chemically altered to form composites, blends for a multiplicity of pharmaceutical applications. It has been utilized potentially as a polymer for targeted drug delivery. This chapter deals with the application potential of pectin in the development of drug delivery systems.
