Abstract

A REVIEW ON MICROBEADS AS A CARRIER NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Sunkara Likitha Sai and G. Sri Lalitha*

ABSTRACT

Microbeads have emerged as versatile tools in pharmaceutical formulations, offering distinct advantages in drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. These microscopic spherical particles, often composed of biocompatible polymers, facilitate controlled release and targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within the body. One of the primary advantages of microbeads lies in their ability to modulate drug release kinetics, allowing for sustained or pulsatile delivery profiles that enhance patient compliance and minimize side effects. Additionally, their small size and customizable properties enable precise dosing and site-specific targeting, optimizing therapeutic outcomes while reducing systemic exposure to APIs. Furthermore, microbeads exhibit exceptional versatility in formulation design. The conventional techniques involve the use of ionotropic gelation method, Emulsion gelation method, Polyelectrolyte
complexation method. It accommodates a wide range of drug compounds with varying physicochemical properties. By encapsulating hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or unstable APIs within a protective matrix, microbead-based formulations can overcome challenges such as poor solubility, rapid metabolism, or gastrointestinal irritation, thereby improving drug stability and bioavailability. Moreover, their biodegradable nature ensures compatibility with biological systems and facilitates the controlled release of drugs over extended periods, offering prolonged therapeutic effects and reduced dosing frequency. In light of these advantages, microbeads represent a promising avenue for innovation in pharmaceutical development, with the potential to enhance the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of diverse therapeutic agents.

Keywords: Biocompatible Polymers, Biodegradable, Emulsion gelation method, Ionotropic gelation method Polyelectrolyte complexation method, Site-specific targeting.