Microsponges as Drug Delivery System: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Background: Microsponges are polymeric delivery devices composed of porous microspheres that range in size from 5 to 300 micrometers. These have been explored for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery, transdermal drug delivery, anticancer drug delivery, and bone substitutes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of recent developments and prospects for a microsponge-based drug delivery system. Methods: The current study analyzes how the Microsponge Delivery System (MDS) is made, how it works, and how it can be used for a wide range of therapeutic purposes. The therapeutic potential and patent information of microsponge-based formulations were systematically analyzed. The authors summarize various effective techniques for developing microsponges, such as liquid-liquid suspension polymerization, quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method, water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion solvent diffusion, oil-in-oil emulsion solvent diffusion, lyophilization method, porogen addition method, vibrating orifice aerosol generator method, electro-hydrodynamic atomization method, and ultrasound-assisted microsponge. Results: Microsponge may reduce the side effects and increase drug stability by positively altering drug release. Drugs that are both hydrophilic and hydrophobic can be loaded into a microsponge and delivered to a specific target. Conclusion: The microsponge delivery technology offers numerous advantages over conventional delivery systems. Microsponges, which are spherical sponge-like nanoparticles with porous surfaces, have the potential to increase the stability of medications. They also efficiently decrease the undesirable effects and alter drug release.

Microencapsulation for Pharmaceutical Applications: A Review

“…These structures capture and release APIs at a controlled rate to respond to special triggers such as moisture or temperature change, rubbing and friction, and then they can be incorporated into a formulation such as cream, gel, or powder. , Microsponge encapsulation can effectively increase the efficacy, safety, and stability of APIs. The topical delivery of APIs can be achieved by MDSs. ,− High embedding capacity (50 to 60%) can be achieved by MDSs. Meanwhile, no preservatives are required for stability because their pore size is very small (∼0.25 μm), and bacteria cannot penetrate inside.…”

Microsponge-Based Gel Loaded with Immunosuppressant as a Simple and Valuable Strategy for Psoriasis Therapy: Determination of Pro-Inflammatory Response through Cytokine IL-2 mRNA Expression

“…Microsponges are colloidal particles with a size range of 5-300 µm that have the ability to control the release of drugs for prolonged periods of time. These have been researched for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery, transdermal drug delivery, anticancer drug delivery, and bone substitutes [8]. The topical application of microsponges against skin conditions has been proficiently reported [9].…”

“…Liquid-liquid suspension polymerization, quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion, oil-inoil emulsion solvent diffusion, water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion solvent diffusion, lyophilization method, porogen addition method, vibrating orifice aerosol generator method, electrohydrodynamic atomization method, and ultrasound-assisted microsponge are some of the efficient methods for creating microsponges [8].…”