DefinePK

Abstract

Phytoconstituents, bioactive compounds derived from plants, are extensively used as coating materials in drug formulations. They play multifaceted roles in Nano formulations, enhancing drug delivery through synthesis, stabilization, and bioactivity. Polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, are all used to create functional films and coatings with desirable properties. Adding bioactive compounds and antimicrobial agents and employing nanotechnological approaches has improved the functional properties of plant-based materials, extending their shelf life and preserving food quality. Novel strategies have been developed to implement natural biopolymers as drug coating materials. Natural biopolymers have inherent properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity, and are sensitive to a wide range of physicochemical and biological stimuli. Phytoconstituent-phospholipid complexes (phytosomes) improve bioavailability in drug delivery and enable transdermal penetration of poorly soluble compounds, overcoming skin barrier limitations.
These coating materials provide an excellent film-forming mechanism, act as barriers to oxygen and moisture, while inheriting bioactivities like antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Plant-based polymers that have “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) status, particularly those that are pH-responsive (pKa~3.5), provide gastroprotection for nutraceuticals without synthetic additives. 
 In recent years, significant research has been done into their application as biocompatible smart coatings. This systematic review summarizes the challenges faced while using synthetic polymers and the importance of plant-derived phytoconstituents to overcome the problems of accumulation, low bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, biodegradability, and biocompatibility.