Platforms based on gum biopolymers for controlled drug delivery

Gum polysaccharides are renewable, biocompatible, and biodegradable natural polymers with considerable potential in targeted drug delivery. Their ability to form hydrogels, films, and nanoparticulate systems enables controlled and site-specific therapeutic release. This review evaluates the design, fabrication, and biomedical applications of gum-based hydrogels in cancer therapy as well as oral, dental, and ophthalmic delivery. Crosslinking strategies, including chemical, physical and ionic approaches, are discussed together with advanced processing technologies such as electrospinning, 3D dimensional printing, and microfluidics. Functional modification methods, particularly grafting and polymer blending, are examined alongside the development of stimuli-responsive systems triggered by pH, temperature, and enzymatic activity. The emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) to formulation optimization is also highlighted. Despite tunable physicochemical properties and mucoadhesive behavior, challenges related to scalability, batch variability, and regulatory approval persist. The convergence of sustainable biomaterials and advanced engineering supports their development as next-generation platforms for personalized and environmentally responsible drug delivery.