Nanosponges a Novel Approach for Targeted Drug Delivery System: A Review

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary field, embracing vast, generically diverse spheres such as nanoelectronics, information technology, biotechnology, and cellular and molecular biology. It also has had a profound impact on life sciences, including drug delivery, diagnostics, nutraceuticals, and the production of biomaterials. Nanosponges (NS) are one such carrier systems that are being explored for their role in drug delivery. NS are in nanosize with a sponge-like morphology and also can solubilize poorly water-soluble drugs and provide prolonged release as well as improving drug bioavailability. Effective targeted drug delivery systems have been a dream for a long time, but it has been largely frustrated by the complex chemistry that is involved in the development of new systems. The invention of nanosponges has become a significant step toward overcoming these problems. Nanosponges are tiny sponges with a size of about a virus, which can be filled with a wide variety of drugs. These tiny sponges can circulate around the body until they encounter the specific target site and stick on the surface and begin to release the drug in a controlled and predictable manner. Because the drug can be released at the specific target site instead of circulating throughout the body it will be more effective for a particular given dosage. Another important character of these sponges is their aqueous solubility; this allows the use of these systems effectively for drugs with poor solubility. The goal of this paper is to explain the general introduction, characteristics, method of preparation, characterization and applications of nanosponges.
Keywords: Nanosponges, polymers, targeted drug delivery, controlled drug delivery, colloidal carrier.