Microsponge is recent novel technique for control release and target specific drug delivery system. Microsponge technology has been introduced in pharmaceutical industry to provide the controlled release of active drug ingredient for the application into the skin in order to decrease systemic exposure and reduce local cutaneous reactions to active drugs. Microsponges comprises of microporous beads, typically 10-25 microns in diameter, loaded with active agent. The microsponge releases its active ingredient on a time mode, when applied to the skin, and also in response to other stimuli that are used mostly for topical and recently for oral administration. Microsponge technology has many favourable characteristics which make It all around suitable as drug delivery vehicle. Microsponge systems can suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances, and then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. The outer surface is mostly porous, allowing the sustained flow of substances out of the sphere. Microsponge drug delivery system causes increased efficacy for the topically active agents with enhanced safety and product stability for a longer period of time with reduction in side effects. In addition their non-allergenic, non-irritating, non-mutagenic and nontoxic behaviour makes them the suitable dosage form. The present review emphasis Microsponge drug delivery system along with its release mechanism.
Keywords: Novel drug delivery system, Microsponges, Microsponge drug delivery system, Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method
