MICROSPONGES: AS A TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Now a day's control delivery of the drug is easily achieved by Microsponge delivery system. These microsponges are very similar to polymeric porous microspheres. In general microsponges are 5-300 micron in diameter, spherical in shape, large porous surface, tiny in structures. Microsponges generally used in the topical drug delivery system but recently they are used for oral administration of drugs. Microsponges deliver its drug on regular time intervals and also respond to the other stimulations. A microsponge has advantages that they modify the release of the drug enhances the stability and effectively reduces the side effects of the drugs. The main aim of formulation is to achieve desired concentration of the drug in the blood. When these microsponges used topically they prevent the accumulation of the drug in both dermis and epidermis. Microsponges can easily entrap and formulated into pharmaceutical product such as gels, creams, powders, liquids, and suspensions. One of the best features of microsponges is it has self-sterilization property; numerous study has confirmed that microsponges are non- mutagenic, nonirritant, non-allergic and non-toxic in nature. This article elaborates the history, advantages, preparation and evaluation and applications of microsponge.