Microsponge

Microsponges are polymeric delivery systems composed of porous microspheres. They are tiny sponge-like spherical particles with a large porous surface. Moreover, they may enhance stability, reduce side effects and modify drug release favorably. Microsponge technology has many favorable characteristics, which make it a versatile drug delivery vehicle. Microsponge Systems are based on microscopic, polymer-based microspheres that can suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances, and can then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. The outer surface is typically porous, allowing a sustained flow of substances out of the sphere. Microsponges are porous, polymeric microspheres that are used mostly for topical use and have recently been used for oral administration. Microsponges are designed to deliver a pharmaceutical active ingredient efficiently at the minimum dose and also to enhance stability, reduce side effects, and modify drug release. The aim of this article is to provide detail about microsponges and the past work done on it.  Microsponge delivery system consisting of a polymeric bead having network of pores with an active ingredient held within. Microsponge was developed to provide controlled release of the active ingredients whose final target is skin itself. Microsponge delivery system can be prepared into conventional dosage forms such as creams, lotions, gels, ointments, and powder and share a broad package of benefits. It holds a promising future in various pharmaceutical applications in the coming years. This review article consists of full detail on microsponge and different types of drug formulated in microsponge.

The Microsponge Delivery System (MDS) is a unique technology used for controlled release and prolonged topical administration. Due to the difficulty that arouse in the release of the active ingredient over an extended period of time the fundamental need for the Microsponge technology arouse. The MDS consists of macroporous beads typically 10 – 25 microns in diameter loaded with the active pharmaceutical ingredient. When applied to the skin the MDS releases its active ingredient on a time mode and also in response to different stimuli like rubbing, temperature, pH etc. This technology is currently being used in sunscreens, skin care, cosmetics and prescription products.  It offers entrapment of ingredients and is believed to contribute towards reduced side effects, improved stability, increased elegance and enhanced formulation flexibility. Innumerable studies have confirmed that microsponge systems are non irritating, non mutagenic, non allergic and non toxic. Microsponges are used mostly for topical drug delivery and have been recently used for oral administration and tissue engineering.

  Microsponge can be effectively incorporated into topical drug delivery system for retention of dosage form on skin, and also use for oral delivery of drugs using bioerodible polymers, especially for colon specific delivery and controlled release drug delivery system thus improving patient compliance by providing site specific drug delivery system and prolonging dosage intervals. Microsponge drug delivery systems offers entrapment of ingredients and is believed to contribute towards reduced side effects, improved stability, reduces systemic exposure and minimize local cutaneous reactions, increased elegance, and enhanced formulation flexibility. Topical preparations have some disadvantages like unpleasant odour, greasiness and skin irritation and fail to reach the systemic circulation this problem is overcome by microsponge delivery system. Microsponge formulations are stable over range of PH 1 to 11; Microsponge formulations are stable at the temperature up to 1300C; compatible with most vehicles and ingredients.  The present review introduces Microsponge technology along with its synthesis, characterization, programmable parameters and release mechanism of MDS.