NANOSPONGES

Nanosponges are a novel class of hyper-crosslinked polymer based colloidal structures consisting of solid nanoparticles with colloidal sizes and nanosized cavities in which wide varieties of drugs can be encapsulated. They are capable of encapsulating both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. In this review article, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, factors affecting nanosponge formation, method of preparation, characterization of nanosponges and applications are discussed.

Key words: Nanosponges, drug delivery, nanotechnology