Ecofriendly Excipients for Sustainable Pharmaceutical Development

Review Article

Abstract

Pharmaceutical industry is prioritizing environmental sustainability through the development of eco-compatible excipients in drug formulation. These materials are designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining therapeutic efficacy and safety standards. Natural polymers, including modified starches, cellulose derivatives, and marine-sourced materials, have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional synthetic excipients, offering enhanced biodegradability and reduced ecological footprint. Modern synthesis approaches utilizing enzymatic modifications, supercritical fluid technology, and microwave-assisted processes have enabled the development of excipients with optimized functionality and diminished environmental impact. Life cycle assessments demonstrate significant reductions in carbon emissions and resource consumption compared to traditional manufacturing methods. These sustainable excipients have shown remarkable versatility in pharmaceutical applications, ranging from conventional solid and liquid dosage forms to sophisticated drug delivery systems. Waste-derived excipients from agricultural and marine sources have shown promising results in controlled release formulations, achieving performance metrics comparable to synthetic counterparts. Current barriers include batch-to-batch variability in natural materials, scale-up considerations, and regulatory compliance requirements. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has accelerated the identification and optimization of sustainable excipient candidates