Abstract

MICROSPONGE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: AN OVERVIEW

Shivani Nanda*, Mandeep Kaur, Nikhil Sood, Sahil Nagpal

Department of Pharmaceutics, I.S.F College Of Pharmacy, Moga, India.

ABSTRACT

Enormous researches have been carried out in the field of topical drug delivery and microsponge drug delivery system is one such approach. Microsponge drug delivery system discovered in 1987 is one that can suspend or entrap a wide range of active ingredient and then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. The outer surface of microsponge is typically porous, allowing the sustained flow of substances out of the sphere. Microsponge drug delivery system has an objective to deliver the drug at a rate directed by the needs of the body during the period of treatment of a disease, and reach the active ingredient to the site of action. Topical preparations have some disadvantages like unpleasant odour, greasiness and skin irritation and fail to reach the systemic circulation this problem is overcome by microsponge delivery system. They also reduce the side effect, increased efficacy for topically active agents with enhanced safety, extended product stability, enhanced formulation flexibility, reduced side effects and improved aesthetic properties in an efficient and novel manner. Microsponge are mostly used for the topical delivery and recently used for oral and bone and tissue engineering. This review is focused on method of preparation, characterization and application of microsponge.

Keywords: Microsponge, topical delivery, oral delivery.