Abstract

A REVIEW ON MICROSPONGES: AN ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY FOR DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Ramisetty Naga Jagadeeswari, Praveen Sivadasu* and Padmalatha K.

Abstract

Microsponge drug delivery system (MDDS) is considered a unique technology to deliver the drug in a controlled manner. These drug delivery systems can also be referred to as polymeric systems with desired drugs loaded in porous microspheres and delivered in the form of gel, cream, liquid, and powder. Further, these are tiny sponge-like spherical particles with a size of 5-300 μm and with a large porous surface. These drug delivery systems possess various advantages like effective delivery of the loaded drug to the target site, stability enhancement, reduced incidence of side effects, and a sustained drug release. In addition, various studies had proved that MDS is nonirritating, non-allergic, and non-toxic. MDS technology facilitates the controlled release of active drugs into the skin to reduce systemic exposure and minimize local cutaneous reactions. These micro-sponges are used mostly for topical use and recent studies suggested that they can also be used for oral administration. The current review focus on history, advantages, limitations, preparation, evaluation, and biomedical applications of micro-sponges.

Keywords: Microsponge; Controlled drug delivery; Topical Drug Delivery; Biomedical application.