Hydrophilic matrix sustained release systems based on polysaccharide carriers.

The hydrophilic matrix (HM) continues to be a popular and widely used strategy for sustained-release drug delivery, with polysaccharides and their derivatives being the polymers of choice as the rate-controlling carriers for these systems. This review provides an appraisal of the more recent developments in the design and in our understanding of the behavior of HM systems. It also focuses on areas of current interest not encompassed by previous reviews.