A Novel Drug Delivery System: Floating Microspheres in the Development of Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Gastric emptying is a complicated process in the human body because it is very inconstant, resulting in ambiguous in vivo drug delivery system efficacy. To combat this variability, scientists have been working on developing a regulated medication delivery system with a long gastric residence period. This review article on gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) focuses on numerous gastroretentive approaches that have recently emerged as a leading methodology in the field of site-specific orally administered controlled release drug administration. Gastroretentive medicines come in a variety of forms on the market, including tablets, granules, capsules, floating microspheres, laminated films, and powders. Floating microspheres are currently garnering more attention than previous techniques because of their benefits, which include more consistent drug absorption and a lower risk of local discomfort. The primary goal of this method is to increase gastric retention time in the GIT, which is defined as more than 12 hours in the stomach with an absorption window in the upper small intestine. Longer stomach retention improves bioavailability, reduces drug waste, and boosts solubility for medications that are less soluble in a high pH environment. The medicines are released into the stomach for a long time and consistently thanks to the floating microsphere systems. The current study compiles the most recent research on the techniques of production, characterization, and numerous aspects that impact the performance of floating microspheres for oral administration.