FABRICATION OF MICROSPONGE AS DRUG DELIVERY OF AN ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUG

Gopa Roy Biswas*, Sayantan Bhattacharya, Poulami Ghoshal and Sutapa Biswas Majee

ABSTRACT

Microsponges are polymeric delivery systems composed of porous microspheres used for topical controlled drug delivery as well as oral controlled drug delivery system. They are small, spherical particles having a porous surface. Moreover, they can enhance stability, modify drug release favorably and reduce side effects. Microsponge technology has several favorable characteristics, which make it a versatile drug delivery system. They can suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances, and can then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. The outer surface is usually porous, permitting a sustained flow of substances out of the sphere. Quasi-emulsion diffusion method has been used here for the preparation of microsponges with cellulosic and acrylic polymers. Drug loading of the microsponge were estimated by UV Spectrophotometric method and was found to be within 33%- 53%. Formulations shows good buoyancy to prove it as floating microsphere. Morphology of the formulations were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Almost all microsponges were found to be highly porous. Drug Release of Atenolol from prepared microsponges followed Higuchi kinetics from the formulation.

Keywords: Controlled release, drug delivery, healthcare systems and Microsponges.