European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

NANOSPONGES: A NOVEL COLLOIDAL CARRIER FOR TARGET DRUG DELIVERY

Prasanthi*, Sravani B, Padmalatha K.

ABSTRACT

Targeted delivery of drugs and enhancement of bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs are the two main challenges encountered by the researchers for the design of safe and effective dosage form. Nanotechnology has gained significance in the design of controlled drug delivery with minimum side effects and achieves maximum therapeutic action at low doses. Nanosponges are novel colloidal carrier particles with a 3-dimensional network and a nanometric cavity size that can entangle drugs and then be formulated into a suitable dosage form based up on the route of administration. After administration of nanosponges, they circulate along with blood around the body until they come across the specific target site and bound to the surface and liberate the drug in a controlled and predictable manner. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs can be encapsulated in nanoporous cavities of nanosponges. The advantages of nanosponges includes they avoid degradation of drugs and proteins; provide sustained drug release at the target site, increase aqueous solubility of low water-soluble drugs. Particle size of nanosponges depends upon proportion of the amount of crosslinker to the polymer. They are prepared by different methods such as solvent diffusion method, emulsion solvent diffusion method, ultrasound-assisted method and quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method. They possess the ability of delivery of active ingredients into oral, topical, parenteral, and nasal routes make them a superior candidate for targeted and local action. It can be used as a carrier for biocatalysts and in delivery of enzymes, proteins, vaccines and antibodies.

Keywords: Nanosponges, Crosslinkers, ?- Cyclodextrin and Emulsion diffusion method.