Abstract

NANOSPONGES: AN EMERGING TREND FOR TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Tejas J. Patel*, Abdul Mannan Khan and Dhiren P. Shah

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical nanotechnology is the most developing branch in pharmaceutical sciences which presents new tools, opportunities and scope, gives significant effects in disease diagnostics and therapeutics. It contains nano-sized formulation which can be converted in different ways to enhance drug characteristics. A nanosponge is newer emerging trends which beneficial for targeted & controlled topical drug delivery. It is based on nano, polymer-based spheres which entrap a broad range of active substances and then converted in finish topical product such as a gel, cream, ointments and lotion. Tiny shape of nanosponge is encapsulating type of nanoparticles which engulfed active drug within its core and it reduced side effects, improved stability, enhanced elegance and formulation flexibility. Nanosponges are specific aiding system contain inner hydrophobic cavities and outer hydrophilic branching which carry both hydrophilic and hydrophobic active molecules for topical delivery in a controlled manner. They are circulating inside the body and reach to the particular target site and bind on specific surface and release drug in a controlled and predictable manner. This review article deals with the general introduction of nanosponges with their types, preparation method and evaluation parameters along with applications.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Nanosponges, Polymer, Controlled and Topical delivery.