Polymeric in situ drug delivery system: An insight mini review

In contemporary pharmaceutical design, controlled and sustained drug delivery has become the standard, leading to extensive research to improve drug product effectiveness, reliability, and safety. In situ gelling systems are polymeric formulations that initially exist as sol forms before being administered in the body but transition to gel forms under physiological conditions. The benefits of in situ-forming polymeric delivery systems, such as ease of administration, reduced frequency of administration, and enhanced patient compliance and comfort, have generated this interest. Elements like temperature variation, pH alteration, ion presence, and ultraviolet irradiation influence the production of gels, this drug delivery system includes these features that enable its extensive application in the production of sustained delivery vehicles for bioactive compounds. Several biodegradable polymers, such as poloxamer, gellan gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), pectin, chitosan, xanthan gum, and carbapol, are utilized in the development of in situ gels. From a manufacturing perspective, the production of such devices is less complicated, thereby reducing both investment and manufacturing costs. This review provides an overview of in situ gelling drug delivery systems, explores various approaches for these systems, discusses different types of polymers utilized, examines their evaluation and applications, and outlines some marketed products.