Abstract

NANOSPONGES: AN OVERVIEW ABOUT THE EMERGING NOVEL CLASS OF DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Mr. Deepankar Roy*

Abstract

Nanosponges are the new and advanced drug delivery systems which have currently emerged as an outcome of rapid advances in nanotechnology. They are designed to target the drug in a controlled way. They are capable of prolonging, localizing and targeting the drug and then show protected drug interaction with the diseased tissue. The main challenges faced in recent times in drug manufacturing are Bioavailability and the Side effects of the formulation. Even a potent drug could be lethal if delivered at the wrong site. So, to overcome these flaws the “Nanosponges” are gaining demand in recent times. Nanosponges are the unconventional molecules made up of cyclodextrins and are capable of holding molecules within their structures. Nanosponges can be loaded with hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic substances and they can easily improve the solubility of poorly water soluble molecules. They have small pore size of 0.25μm which helps in prevention from penetration of bacteria into the pores and this is why it is called as “Self Sterilizing”. Apart from their application in the drug delivery field, potential applications exist for cosmetics, biomedicine, bioremediation processes, agro chemistry, and catalysis.

Keywords: Nanosponge, Encapsulating Nanoparticles, Complexing Nanoparticles, Conjugating Nanoparticles, Chemical Sensors.