Micro- and Nanosponges-Based Carriers in Advanced Drug Delivery Applications

Abstract

Microsponges, a patented technology for chronotherapeutic topical drug delivery, has evolved for oral, pulmonary, and parenteral drug delivery. Various advances have been made with this carrier particle resulting in the development of novel carrier particles, namely nanosponges, nanoferrosponges, and porous microbeads. This chapter deals with the application for topical delivery of pharmaceuticals and for cosmetic purpose; potential of the delivery system for oral drug delivery, pulmonary, and parenteral purpose; and also provides an insight on the recent advances made in this field and future prospect. While many commercial products are available for topical purpose, the use of the technology for sustained/controlled/targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals/biopharmaceuticals via alternative routes is still in infancy. Extensive research inputs are required to resolve preclinical and clinical intricacies before the technology can be put into use for alternative administrative routes and for tissue engineering.