Abstract

IN SITU GELLING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS- A REVIEW ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Boby Johns G.*, Anupama Ajith, Sujitha Mary, Smiya Mathew and Jeny Samuel

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Abstract

There has been an increased focus on developing novel drug delivery systems during the last thirty years. Polymeric drug delivery methods have been formulated based on substantial research and development. Interest in in situ gel systems has grown in recent years. A number of patents for new in situ gel forming technologies have been issued in recent years, with each patent typically referring to a variety of biological applications. This interest is because in situ systems have advantages such as reduced administration frequency and improved patient adherence. Focused systemic pharmacological effects can be acquired through in situ drug delivery systems. Compared to parenteral and oral routes, these are far more convenient and provide greater bioavailability. Various routes, including oral, ophthalmic, rectal, vaginal, intravenous, and intraperitoneal, are capable of delivering in situ gel formulations. They are in a solution state prior to administration and are capable of producing gels in response to certain endogenous stimuli, including temperature increase, pH shift, and the presence of ions. Drug loaded nano and micro particles are transported in these vehicles. Natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic polymers with in situ gelling activity may be used alone or in combination to develop such drug delivery systems. It is highly desirable to associate it with mucoadhesive polymers in order to extend the duration of action or to increase the absorption of drugs. Furthermore, in situ gelling systems include solid polymeric formulations, which are typically created by freeze-drying and rapidly hydrate when body fluids come into contact with them, forming a gel capable of controlled drug release. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks, mechanism of drug release, drug characteristics to be employed, types of polymer used, evaluation, and recent breakthroughs in in situ drug delivery systems.

Keywords: In situ, gelling, cross linking, polymers.