An Updated Review on Microsponges: From Research, Advances, and Patent Scenario to Future Perspective

Introduction: A microsponge is an emerging technique that has great potential to enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Such a technique also has the ability to protect various drugs and their formulations that can undergo degradation in certain physiological and biological conditions. Thus, considering such quality, it can be said that the microsponge technique may be a futuristic tool that can resolve different problems associated with formulation development. Methods: The present manuscript considers the various aspects of microsponges, like, latest research performed by different researchers, newly developed formulations, various patents related to this technique, different excipients and tools used for formulation development, and their characterization methods. For fulfilling such a purpose, a wide range of literature was taken into consideration, and analyzed to extract useful information incorporated into the manuscript. Thus, on behalf of such significant information, it can be believed that this review will open a new path for new and existing researchers who want to work on such a technique. Results: With this review, it is confirmed that microsponges are an effective technique that possesses the enormous potential to rectify several issues related to poor bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, dosing frequency, protection of active ingredients, and formulations in certain conditions. The different research performed in the last decade also indicated that the microsponge approach has been widely utilized to solve different concerns. But this field still needs more attention for new discoveries that may be helpful in the generation of new innovative products. Discussion: Microsponge is an innovative drug delivery method, which was initially created for topical drug administration. Later on, it was applied for oral controlled drug delivery system, transdermal drug delivery system, cosmetic products, and also for tissue engineering. This review gives confirmation that such a delivery system may provide different advantages. However, some challenges are still associated with it. Therefore, in the future, researchers need to focus on some innovative analytical tools that can ensure the quality of microsponges. Conclusion: Finally, on the basis of different findings, it may be concluded that microsponges are a cutting–edge technology that offers numerous advantages. This review also confirms that microsponges may be a noteworthy tool that can develop a variety of pharmaceutical products in the future, which will be safer, effective, and patient-friendly.