Review On the Development of Microsphere-Loaded Gel: A Novel Drug Delivery System

Microsphere-loaded gels have emerged as an innovative approach in novel drug delivery systems (NDDS), combining the benefits of controlled-release microspheres with the bioadhesive and sustained drug-release properties of hydrogels. These systems offer prolonged drug retention, improved bioavailability, and localized delivery, reducing systemic side effects. They have been extensively studied for applications in ophthalmic, transdermal, intra-articular, and cancer drug delivery. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the formulation, mechanisms, advantages, challenges, and future prospects of microsphere-loaded gels. Microspheres were prepared by the chemical denaturation method using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. The microspheres were characterized by particle size analysis, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stability study. Several factors such as stirring rate, temperature, and viscosity show an effect on the size. The sizes of the microspheres were found to be 156.5 nm.