NANOSPONGES : A New Approach for Drug Delivery System

Abstract

An ideal drug delivery system will solubilize the drug and achieves proficient concentration of drug at the targeted site for a specific period of time in order to increase the bioavailability with minimal side effects. Topical drug delivery system challenged with many complications like poor permeability, skin irritation, allergic reactions etc. Nanosponges are one of the carriers which solve the difficulties of drug toxicity and poor bioavailability as they can entrap both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. Nanosponges are minute sized having diameter below 1µm with 3-dimensional network and they can easily penetrate through the skin. Nanosponges play vital role in targeting drug delivery in a controlled manner. They are highly porous in nature having ability to capsulate variety of drug moieties and offer controlled release at the targeted site. Nanosponges can be formulated as oral, parenteral, topical or inhalation dosage forms. Controlled release of the capsulated active agent at the targeted site and solubility improvement of poorly water-soluble drugs are key advantages of Nanosponges drug delivery systems. The present review discusses about Nanosponges, method of preparations, characterisation and applications particularly in the targeted drug delivery system.