A Review on Novel Drug Delivery System: Microsponges

Recent research on idealizing drug delivery system which is progressing at a prodigious rate and aims at development of drug delivery system (DDS), with maximum therapeutic advantages of drug delivery, thus resulting in safe and effective management of disease. More and more developments in delivery systems are being integrated to optimize the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the therapy. New classes of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals are fueling the rapid evolution of drug delivery technology. Microsponge technology has been introduced in topical drug products to facilitate the controlled release of active drug into the skin in order to reduce systemic exposure and minimize local cutaneous reactions to active drugs. Microsponge consists of microporous beads loaded with active agent. When applied to the skin, the microsponge releases its active ingredient on a time mode and also in response to other stimuli (rubbing, temperature, pH etc.) that are used mostly for topical and recently for oral administration Microsponges are porous, polymeric microspheres that are mostly used for prolonged topical administration. Microsponges are designed to deliver a pharmaceutically active ingredient efficiently at minimum dose and also to enhance stability, reduce side effects, and modify drug release profiles. Microsponges are prepared by several methods utilizing emulsion system or by suspension polymerization in a liquid–liquid system. The most common emulsion system used is oil-in-water (o/w), with the microsponges being produced by the emulsion solvent diffusion (ESD) method. Microsponge delivery system (MDS) can provide 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. In addition these are non-irritating, non-mutagenic, non-allergenic, and nontoxic. The present review introduces microsponge technology in great detail.