Abstract

MICROSPONGES AS A MODIFIED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Deore Mayuri B*, K.S.Salunkhe, G. Pawbake, S.R. Chaudhari and Gaikwad P.R.

Abstract

The area of drug delivery technology is evolving rapidly and becoming highly competitive day by day. The developments in the delivery systems are being utilized to optimize the efficacy and the cost effectiveness of the therapy. Recently, microsponge delivery system (MDS) has been successively addressed for the controlled release of drugs onto the epidermis with assurance that the drug remains chiefly localized and does not enter the systemic circulation in major amounts. The Microsponges are extremely small, inert, indestructible clusters of even Tinier spherical particles of microscopic size patented polymeric delivery systems consisting of porous microspheres that can entrap a wide range of active ingredients, capable of holding four times their weight in skin secretions and can absorb skin secretions. Like a true sponge, each microspheres consist of a myriad of interconnecting voids within a noncollapsible structure with a large porous surface. The size of microsponges can be varied usually from 5-300μm in diameter.safety concern is the potential bacterial contamination of the materials entrapped in the microsponge. Because the size of the pore diameter is smaller than bacteria, ranging from 0.007 to 0.2μm, bacteria cannot penetrate into the tunnel structure of microsponges, the microsponge system can prevent excessive accumulation of ingredients within the epidermis and the dermis. Potentially, the microsponge system can reduce significantly the irritation of effective drugs without reducing their efficacy.

Keywords: Microsponge delivery system, controlled release, topical drug delivery.