MICROSPONGE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION, APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Microsponge drug delivery system is a porous, polymer-based controlled release technology designed to improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). These highly cross-linked polymeric microspheres possess a sponge-like architecture capable of entrapping drugs within interconnected void spaces and releasing them in a sustained and controlled manner. Initially developed for topical drug delivery, microsponge systems have expanded to oral, transdermal, and cosmetic applications due to their versatility, stability, and safety profile. The unique porous structure provides high drug loading capacity, reduced irritation, improved stability of labile drugs, and enhanced patient compliance. Release of drug from microsponges is primarily diffusion-controlled, influenced by factors such as polymer type, cross-linking density, porosity, particle size, and physicochemical properties of the drug. This review comprehensively discusses the historical development, structure, mechanism of drug release, materials used, methods of preparation, evaluation parameters, pharmaceutical applications, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of microsponge technology. The article also highlights recent research trends including nanosponges, biodegradable polymers, and targeted drug delivery strategies. The content is structured to serve as a reference guide for formulation scientists and researchers in pharmaceutical technology.