1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chhatrapati Shahu ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Corresponding Author E-mail: pallavi@csjmu.ac.in
Microsponges are porous polymeric microspheres of 5-300 μm in dimensions used for controlled delivery of pharmaceuticals, particularly via the oral route. They generally encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), improving the drug's solubility, bioavailability, and stability. Common preparation methods include quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion and liquid-liquid suspension polymerization, both of which offer advantages in terms of cost and ease of manufacture, as well as the ease of controlling the particle size and pore structure of the microsponge. Characterization techniques such as laser light diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) are essential for the assessment of particle size, morphology and drug loading as well as release rate of the microsponge and characterization techniques, such as laser light diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) are conducive for assessing particle size, morphology, drug loading as well as release rate kinetics of the microsponge. The mechanism of action of a microsponge involves its porous structure, which enables it to provide controlled drug release via diffusion and erosion of the microsponge, which generally enhances the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs and targeted delivery to response to specific stimuli like pH. The applications of microsponges include targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, localized delivery of treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases, and controlled drug release from transdermal applications.
Graphical Abstract:
Microsponges, Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion, Liquid-liquid suspension
