MICROSPONGE IN DRUG DELIVERY: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Microsponges are tiny, porous, spherical particles that resemble miniature sponges and offer a versatile platform for drug delivery. This advanced delivery system presents multiple advantages for enhancing the administration of therapeutic agents through oral, topical, and parenteral routes. Microsponge technology introduces an innovative strategy for targeted and controlled drug release, thereby improving drug efficacy, product stability, and safety. This system enhances the performance of topically as well as orally active compounds by minimizing side effects, improving aesthetic properties, and maintaining product integrity. Microsponges have recently gained attention for oral drug delivery. These polymer-based microspheres can encapsulate a wide variety of active ingredients and be formulated into gels, powders or liquids. A review focuses on the fundamental properties of microsponges, their advantages and limitations, formulation methods and evaluation parameters.