Potential of chitosan for targeted mitochondrial delivery of therapeutic agents

• Chitosan is an excellent polymer for use in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries due to its lack of toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. • Hydrophilic Chitosan derivatives are great drug carriers because they are biocompatible, have a mucoadhesive quality, and are absorbed well in the intestines. • Chitosan is a naturally occurring carbohydrate with polycationic properties, making it capable of gelling with negatively charged chemicals or certain polyanionic molecules to create nanoparticles. • Despite their promising promise, however, their low stability, possibility for non-targeting side effects, and difficulties in modification have severely hampered their applicability in the biomedical area. • An exciting target for the development of novel cancer therapeutics, mitochondrial dysfunction is central to the etiopathogenesis of the disease. • Oxidative stress, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and excessive fission are major noxious pathways amenable to drug therapy. : Chitosan, an innately sourced polymer, is esteemed for its biological compatibility and breakdown. Its cationic properties enable good interaction with diverse biological molecules, particularly beneficial in drug-delivery systems. Its capacity to target intracellular components, such as mitochondria, renders it a crucial substance in biomedical research. : This paper seeks to examine the efficacy of chitosan-based nanoparticles for targeted medication delivery to mitochondria, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. The aim is to improve drug bioavailability, stability, and efficacy through the chemical modification of chitosan. The document additionally explores its extensive applications in gene therapy and vaccination administration. : The electrostatic characteristics of chitosan and its capacity to create diverse structures such as hydrogels and nanoparticles facilitate targeted medication release and enhanced cellular absorption. This biopolymer improves the specificity of cancer cells while reducing toxicity to healthy cells. The paper examines chitosan's interaction with cellular membranes and mitochondria to optimize therapeutic results. : Chitosan nanoparticles have considerable promise in the targeted delivery of drugs to mitochondria, especially in the context of cancer therapy. Their cationic properties enhance bioavailability; yet, issues related to solubility and safety require resolution. Further study is required to optimize these nanoparticles for safe and effective application in clinical environments.