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Title: PECTINS IN PHARMACEUTICAL AND COSMETIC APPLICATIONS

Author
item Liu, Linshu
item Kramer, Wendy
item Fishman, Marshall
item Hicks, Kevin

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2003
Publication Date: 12/15/2003
Citation: Liu, L.S., Kramer, W.H., Fishman, M.L., Hicks, K.B. 2003. Pectins in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Book Chapter. Carbohydrate Research.1:p. 181-194 ISBN: 81-7895-110-X

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pectin has a long history of use in the food industry and is now extensively studied for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. The rationale for the development of pectin derived colon-specific drug delivery systems is the unique biostability of pectin in the human gastrointestinal tract, where pectin is only degraded by colonic microflora. Pectin derived colon-specific drug delivery systems are more effective and reproducible in comparison with other delivery systems. The uses of pectins in cosmetic formulations are based on their hygroscopic nature and good adhesive qualities. In this review paper, we summarized the recent developments in pectin research relative to pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and discuss areas where additional research is needed to bring more pectin-based pharmaceutical and cosmetic materials to the commercial market.