FLOATING IN-SITU GELS: AN INNOVATIVE ORAL DRUG DELIVERY APPROACH

Floating oral in-situ gels are an advanced gastro-retentive drug delivery system designed to prolong gastric residence time and achieve controlled drug release. These formulations exist as low-viscosity solutions that transform into buoyant gels upon contact with gastric fluids, triggered by physiological stimuli such as pH change, temperature modulation or ionic cross-linking. Polymers like sodium alginate, gellan gum and (HPMC) are commonly used to ensure optimal gel strength, stability and sustained release. This system enhances the bioavailability of drugs with narrow absorption windows, maintains steady plasma concentrations and minimizes gastric irritation. Moreover, floating oral in-situ gels improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs with short half-lives and reduce fluctuations in drug concentration. Owing to their ease of administration, cost-effectiveness, scalability and improved patient compliance, floating oral in-situ gels offer a promising and efficient platform for site-specific and controlled gastric drug delivery.