"MICROSPONGE TECHNOLOGY: REVOLUTIONIZING CONTROLLED AND TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS"

Abstract The microsponge drug delivery systems are the next generation of porous polymeric carrier systems used for the controlled and sustained release of drugs. The pore structure of these microsized sponge-like structures are interconnected, which can improve the drug stability, efficacy and patient compliance by trapping both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Microsponge technology has attracted significant interest for pharmaceutical research due to a number of disadvantages of conventional topical and controlled-release formulation: burst drug release; skin irritation; low retention; and frequent doses. A number of preparation methods such as “quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion”, “suspension polymerization”, “double emulsion”, “oil-in-oil emulsification” and “lyophilization” have been used for the preparation of microsponges. Microsponges have various performance factors including polymer composition, pore size, particle size, drug-polymer interaction and environmental factors. Various characterization techniques such as SEM, FTIR, DSC, zeta potential analysis, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release studies are important to assess the quality of the formulation and release behavior. Topical, transdermal, oral, ocular and cosmetic drug delivery have been found to have promising application of microsponge systems for antifungal, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, sunscreen and wound healing treatments, respectively. Recent developments are directed towards biodegradable polymers, stimuli-responsive systems and nanotechnology-based enhanced microsponges for targeted and sustained drug delivery systems. The review highlights the formulation strategies, mechanisms, characterization methods, therapeutic applications, current advancements and future prospects of microsponge drug delivery systems for modern pharmaceutics. Keywords: Microsponge; Controlled drug delivery; Topical drug delivery; Porous polymeric systems; Sustained release; Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion; Drug entrapment; Characterization; Novel drug delivery system; Pharmaceutical applications.