Bio-inspired Biomaterials and their Drug Delivery Perspectives - A Review

Background: Several disease conditions require controlled or sustained drug release leading to complete recovery. In recent years, there has been a considerable research interest in bio-inspired biomaterials due to their potential as an alternative to the traditional synthetic counterparts. Methods: Herein, we extensively reviewed, analyzed and compiled salient information from the authentic bibliographic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Springer, Bentham Science and other scientific databases. A focused review question and inclusion/exclusion criterion were adopted to appraise the quality of retrieved peer-reviewed research literature. Results: Research is underway around the globe on the development of 'greener' technologies with an aim to engineer novel drug delivery systems (DDS). Bio-based constructs are being engineered for target applications in different bio- and non-bio sectors of the modern world, to address growing concerns about a global dependence on non-renewable petroleum-based resources. Therefore, in recent years, bio-inspired biomaterials have gained a considerable attention with high-value biomedical and pharmaceutical potentials. Moreover, owing to their novel characteristics like non-toxicity, biocompatibility, together with the adjustable thermo-mechanical and controllable properties, collagen, poly (lactic acid) (PLA), and chitosan-based novel constructs have raised interesting applications in many sectors of the medical world. So far, many of such bio-constructs have been implicated in drug delivery systems, tissue repair, nutritional and therapeutic uses. Conclusions: In conclusion, this review comprised of different bio-based novel materials including collagen, PLA, and chitosan and their valorization for DDS. In this review, detailed information is summarized on various geo-metries like microspheres, composites, and nano-films, etc. from each material. Towards the end, information is also given on their future perspectives and concluding remarks.