ABSTRACT:
Liposomes have been extensively investigated for drug delivery, drug targeting, controlled release and increased solubility. The major rate limiting step in the widespread use of this versatile drug delivery is the stability both physical and chemical. Considerable attention has been given to study the stability of liposomes for last three decades, but there remains much work to be done because the instability problems still limit their application. Chitosan, a biodegradable polymer can be coated over liposomes in order to stabilize them electrosterically. This had opened several novel pathways in drug delivery applications of liposomes and niosomes. Liposome or niosome formulation coated with chitosan is called as “chitosomes.” The present paper intends to review the basics of chitosomes, interaction of chitosan with lipid, principle of formation of chitosomes, preparation methods, formulation and technological variables affecting Chitosan coating along with evaluation parameters and applications.