Drug Delivery from Microsponges: A Review Article

Microsponges are micro-porous particles, used mainly for topical and recently for oral administration. Microsponges have many advantages which make it a versatile drug delivery system. Microsponges can suspended or entrap a wide variety of substances and then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid, or powder. Moreover, they may enhance stability, reduce side effects and modify drug release related to its porous structure which allows the active ingredient to sustain over time. This article aims to provide details about microsponges including the method of preparation, characterization, mechanism of drug release from microsponges, different formulation, and process factors, and a few applications about microsponges that are either proven or under research. Besides, microsponges improve stability, increase elegance, and enhance formulation flexibility. Previous studies were done and confirmed that microsponges are non-irritant, non-allergenic, non-mutagenic, and non-toxic. This technology is being used currently in cosmetics, sunscreens, and prescription products. Therefore, the microsponges based drug delivery technology is likely to become a valuable drug delivery matrix substance for various therapeutic applications in the future.