NANOSPONGES: A NOVEL CLASS OF DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM – REVIEW

Due to the emergence of nanotechnology, the concept of targeted drug delivery has gained widespread acceptance. However, this method of delivering drugs requires the use of a special drug delivery system known as“Nanosponge”.Nanosponge is a promising drug delivery system that can provide a predictable and effective release of drugs as they can accomodate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Nanosponges are tiny sponges with a size of virus, that have a three-dimensional network and a nanometric cavity. They can be filled with various drugs.The particles can be fast absorbed by the body and can cirulate in the body until they reach the targeted site. They then release their drugs in a controlled and predictable fashion. Cyclodextrins and other suitable crosslinking agents (carbonyl or dicarboxylates) in an appropriate ratio are used for the preparation of nanosponges. Due to their high drug loading capacity, nanosponges are ideal for the delivery of drugs with low solubility. This technology can be utilized for the treatment of various diseases. Aside from vaccines and enzymes, nanosponges can also be used as carriers for various types of drugs.The present review explains the characteristic features (advantages and disadvantages), method of preparation, characterization and potent applications of nanosponges in the field of drug delivery.

Keywords: Targeted drug delivery systems, Nanosponges, Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic drugs, Cyclodextrins, Cross linking agents, Controlled release.