Nanotechnology for Metformin Release System: Nanostructures, Biopolymer Carriers, and Techniques: a Review

Currently, there are various approaches in the treatment for diabetes. Speaking of type 2 diabetes (T2D), it focuses on blood glucose control. When changes in lifestyle do not achieve this glycemic control, the option is to start therapy with antidiabetic drugs such as metformin. However, long-term metformin uses causes disturbances that may affect treatment approaches. This review examines recent advances in nanotechnology that have developed new forms of drug administration that can improve the efficacy of the treatment, where nanomaterials, nanostructures and nanoparticle design are involved so that they provide controlled and gradual release. The use of biopolymers (as drug delivery systems have ensured biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. There are several methods for obtaining a drug delivery system, including electrospinning, electrospraying, nanoprecipitation, etc. These systems improve drug delivery and can be used orally, transdermal, intravenously, among others. This review describes the new forms of administration of metformin in the treatment of T2D, based on the encapsulation of metformin in polymeric matrices such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, among others.