Chitosan is a functional polymer in the pharmaceutical field, including for nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Chitosan-based nanoparticles are a promising carrier for a wide range of therapeutic agents and can be administered in various routes. Solubility is the main problem for its production and utilization in large-scale industries. Chitosan modifications have been employed to enhance its solubility, including chemical modification. Many reviews have reported the chemical modification but have not focused on the specific characteristics obtained. This review focused on the modification to improve chitosan solubility. Additionally, this review also focused on the application of chitosan derivatives in nanoparticle drug delivery systems since very few similar reviews have been reported. The specific method for chitosan derivative-based nanoparticles was also reported and the latest report of chitosan, chitosan derivative, and chitosan toxicity were also described.

Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) has higher solubility and lower viscosity allowing for a wider pharmaceutical application compared to high molecular weight chitosan. LMWC chitosan can be obtained through a chitosan depolymerization process. This research aimed to produce LWMC using the combination of formic acid and ultrasonication method with the optimal condition of the depolymerization process. The chitosan depolymerization method was performed by combining formic acid and ultrasonication. The optimum conditions of the depolymerization process were obtained using the Box–Behnken design. The LMWC obtained from depolymerization was characterized to identify its yield, degree of deacetylation, the molecular weight, structure, morphology, thermal behavior, and crystallinity index. Results: The characterization results of LWMC obtained from the depolymerization process using the optimum conditions showed that the yield was 89.398%; the degree of deacetylation was 98.076%; the molecular weight was 32.814 kDa; there was no change in the chemical structure, LWMC had disorganized shape, there was no change in the thermal behavior, and LWMC had a more amorphous shape compared to native chitosan. Conclusion: The production of LWMC involving depolymerization in the presence of weak acid and ultrasonication can be developed by using the optimal condition of the depolymerization process.

Kitosan adalah biopolimer alam yang dihasilkan dari deasetilasi kitin. Parameter utama yang mengontrol sifat fisikokimia dan biologi kitosan adalah derajat deasetilasi dan berat molekul (BM). Pemanfaatan kitosan belum optimal karena rantai kitosan yang panjang dan mengakibatkan kelarutan yang rendah. Oleh karena itu dilakukannya depolimerisasi untuk memotong ikatan kitosan menjadi rantai pendek. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh kondisi optimum metode depolimerisasi kitosan menggunakan asam asetat (CH₃COOH) serta untuk mengetahui karakteristik kitosan berat molekul rendah hasil depolimerisasi. Optimasi proses depolimerisasi menggunakan Design Expert versi 13 dengan metode Box Behnken Design (BBD). Desain eksperimen terdiri dari 17 run dengan 5 center point. Variabel proses dalam penelitian ini, yaitu suhu dengan variasi 60^oC; 70^oC; 80^oC, waktu dengan variasi 30 menit; 45 menit; 60 menit, dan konsentrasi kitosan dengan variasi 1%; 1,5%; 2%. Variabel respon pada penelitian ini yaitu rendemen, berat molekul, dan kelarutan kitosan. Hasil dari penelitian ini diperoleh kondisi optimum pada suhu 80^oC, waktu pengadukan 34 menit, dan konsentrasi 1% dengan rendemen sebesar 98.0667%, berat molekul 31.662 kDa, dan kelarutan 19.7%, derajat deasetilasi 98.57%, dan indeks kristalinitas sebesar 32.28%.

The management of pharmaceutical supplies in hospitals involves nine interrelated cycles, ranging from planning to disposal. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate drug management practices at RSUD dr. H. L. M. Baharuddin in Muna Regency based on interviews with two key informants, namely the Head of the Pharmacy Installation and the Head of the Pharmacy Warehouse, and to assess compliance with Ministry of Health Regulation No. 72 of 2016. A descriptive design combined with the Hanlon method was employed, using criteria of problem magnitude, seriousness, effectiveness of intervention, and feasibility (PEARL factors). Result: The evaluation showed that most management cycles were adequately implemented; however, significant issues were identified in the storage stage. Key problems included the distance between multiple warehouses, complicating distribution and stock monitoring; the absence of CCTV; and inadequate physical security, such as lack of fencing. Hanlon analysis identified storage issues as the highest priority due to their impact on medication safety, security, and supply continuity. The frequency of incidents, risk of loss, and limited monitoring highlight the need for immediate intervention. Recommended improvements include optimizing storage layout, installing CCTV, strengthening access control, and enhancing physical security in line with national regulations. Although most cycles meet standards, storage management requires immediate improvement.

The objectives of this research were to formulate theophylline nanoparticles matrix transdermal patch with different ratios of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and ethylcellulose polymer with ratio 90%:10% (F1), 80%:20% (F2), 70%:30% (F3), 60%:40% (F4), 50%:50% (F5), and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristic of the resulted matrix patch. Preparation of matrix patch was conducted by the solvent evaporation casting method. Physicochemical characteristics of the patch, including physical appearance, weight uniformity, thickness uniformity, pH, moisture content, tensile strength, and profile release, were evaluated. Permeation of drugs into the skin was assessed using a modified Franz diffusion cell. Observations of the physical appearance showed that matrix patches were transparent, smooth, and dry. Weight uniformity ranges were from 0.69 g to 0.77 g with thickness 0.14 mm to 0.22 mm. Moisture content ranges were 0.49% to 2.14%, and pH values were from 5.0 to 6.0. Tensile strength ranged between 1.19 and 3.41 N/mm2. Theophylline release of F1-F5 formulation was varied from 14.46% to 18.62% at 360 minutes, and all patches were capable of permeating through the rat skin membrane. Physicochemical evaluation of matrix patches showed that all patches fulfill the requirements of acceptable patches for transdermal administration.