WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Bamane et al.

World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Volume 3, Issue 3, 748-762.

Review Article

ISSN 2278 4357

MICROSPONGES: A NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Ganesh S. Bamane*, Tejaswini B.Kakade, Vijay B.Metkari, Laxmikant V.Kulkarni
MSSCollege of Pharmacy Medha, Tal-Jaoli, Dist Satara.
Article Received on
12 February 2014,
Revised on 25 February
2014,
Accepted on 15 March 2014

ABSTRACT
Microsponges are porous, polymeric microspheres that are mostly used
for prolonged topical administration. Microsponges are designed to
deliver a pharmaceutically active ingredient efficiently at minimum
dose and also to enhance stability, reduce side effects, and modify drug

*Correspondence for Author

Ganesh S. Bamane

release profiles. The Microsponge Delivery System (MDS) is a unique

MSSCollege of Pharmacy

technology for the controlled release of topical agents and consist of

Medha, Tal-Jaoli, Dist Satara

macro porous beads, typically 10-25 microns in a diameter, loaded

India.

with active agent. When applied to the skin, the Microsponge releases
its active ingredient on a time mode and also in response to other
stimuli (rubbing, pH, etc.). MDS technology is being used currently in cosmetics, over the
counter (OTC) skin care, sunscreens and prescription products. Conventional preparations
have some disadvantages like unpleasant odour, greasiness and skin irritation. These
problems are overcome by microsponge delivery system. Microsponge based drug delivery
system produces controlled released action. It also produces site specific and target organ
action produced. Microsponge (MDS) mainly developed in topical drug delivery as well as
oral controlled delivery system. It also used in cosmetic formulations.
Key words- Microsponges, drug delivery, preparation, characterization, topical, oral.
INTRODUCTION
The drug delivery technology landscape has become highly competitive and rapidly evolving.
More and more developments in delivery systems are being integrated to optimize the
efficacy and cost effectiveness of the therapy.1 Several predictable and reliable systems were
developed for systemic drugs under the heading of transdermal delivery system (TDS) using
the skin as portal of entry.2 It has improved the efficacy and safety of many drugs that may be
better administered through skin. But TDS is not practical for delivery of materials whose

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final target is skin itself. Controlled release of drugs onto the epidermis with assurance that
the drug remains primarily localized and does not enter the systemic circulation in significant
amounts is an area of research that has only recently been addressed with success. No
efficient vehicles have been developed for controlled and localized delivery of drugs into the
stratum corneum and underlying skin layers and not beyond the epidermis. Application of
topical drugs suffers many problems such as ointments, which are often aesthetically
unappealing, greasiness, stickiness etc. that often results into lack of patient compliance.
These vehicles require high concentrations of active agents for effective therapy because of
their low efficiency of delivery system, resulting into irritation and allergic reactions in
significant users. Other drawbacks of topical formulations are uncontrolled evaporation of
active ingredient, unpleasant odour and potential incompatibility of drugs with the vehicles.
Thus the need exists for system to maximize amount of time that an active ingredient is
present either on skin surface or with in the epidermis, while minimizing its transdermal
penetration into the body. The microsponge delivery system fulfills these requirements.
A Microsponge Delivery System (MDS) is patented, highly cross-linked, porous, polymeric
microspheres polymeric system consisting of porous microspheres that can entrap wide range
of actives and then release them onto the skin over a time and in response to trigger. 3 It is a
unique technology for the controlled release of topical agents and consists of microporous
beads, typically 10-25 microns in diameter, loaded with active agent. When applied to the
skin, the MDS releases its active ingredient on a time mode and also in response to other
stimuli (rubbing, temperature, pH, etc). MDS technology is being used in cosmetics, overthe-counter (OTC) skin care, sunscreens and prescription products. Delivery system
comprised of a polymeric bead having network of pores with an active ingredient held within
was developed to provide controlled release of the active ingredients whose final target is
skinitself.4 The system was employed for the improvement of performance of topically
applied drugs.5, 6, 7The common methods of formulation remains same; the incorporation of
the active substance at its maximum thermodynamic activity in an optimized vehicle and the
reduction of the resistance to the diffusion of the stratum corneum. and liposomes.
Microcapsules cannot usually control the release rate of actives. Once the wall is ruptured the
actives contained with in microcapsules will be released. Liposomes suffer from lower
payload, difficult formulation, limited chemical stability and microbial instability. While
microsponge system in contrast to the above systems are stable over range of pH 1 to 11,
temperature up to 130oC; compatible with most vehicles and ingredients; self sterilizing as

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average pore size is 0.25m where bacteria cannot penetrate; higher payload (50 to 60%),
still free flowing and can be cost effective. Most liquid or soluble ingredients can be
entrapped in the particles. Actives that can be entrapped in microsponges must meet
following requirements,
It should be either fully miscible in monomer or capable of being made miscible by addition
of small amount of a water immiscible solvent.
It should be water immiscible or at most only slightly soluble.
It should be inert to monomers.
It should be stable in contact with polymerization catalyst and conditions of polymerization
Release can be controlled through diffusion or other triggers such as moisture, pH, friction, or
temperature. This release technology is available for absorbent materials or to enhance
product aesthetics. Microsponge delivery system can be incorporated into conventional
dosage forms such as creams, lotions, gels, ointments, and powder and share a broad package
of benefits. Systems can and improve its formulation flexibility.
Characteristics of Microsponges 8
Microsponge formulations are stable over range of pH 1 to 11;
Microsponge formulations are stable at the temperature up to 130oC;
Microsponge formulations are compatible with most vehicles and ingredients;
Microsponge formulations are self sterilizing as their average pore size is 0.25m where
bacteria cannot penetrate;
Microsponge formulations have higher payload (50 to 60%), still free flowing and can be
cost effective.
Advantages of MDS(9)

Microsponges can absorb oil up to 6 times its weight without drying.

It provides continuous action up to 12 hours i.e. extended release.

Improved product elegancy.

Lessen the irritation and better tolerance leads to improved patient compliance.

They have better thermal, physical and chemical stability.

These are non-irritating, non-mutagenic, nonallergenic and non-toxic.

MDS allows the incorporation of immiscible products.

They have superior formulation flexibility.

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In contrast to other technologies like microencapsulation and liposomes, MDS has wide
range of chemical stability, higher payload and are easy to formulate.

Liquids can be converted in to powders improving material processing.

It has flexibility to develop novel product forms.

MDS can improve bioavailability of same drugs.

PREPARATION OF MICROSPONGES
Microsponges drug delivery system can be prepared in two ways, one-step process or by
two-step process that is liquid-liquid suspension polymerization and quasi emulsion solvent
diffusion techniques based that is based on physico-chemical properties of drug to be loaded
Quasi-Emulsion Solvent Diffusion(10).
To prepare the inner organic phase, Eudragit RS 100 is dissolved in ethyl alcohol. The drug is
added to solution and dissolved under ultrasonication at 35 C the inner phase is poured into
the polyvinyl alcohol solution in water. Following stirring for 60 min, then mixture is filtered
to separate the microsponge. The Microsponges are dried in an air-heated oven at 40 C for
12 hr. ingredients can be entrapped in microsponge polymers at the time of synthesis. They
can be post-loaded after the microsphere structure has been pre-formed. The letter process is
the preferred mode since many pharmaceuticals and cosmetic ingredients, would decompose
at the temperatures used for polymerization.

Figure 1: Preparation of Microsponges by Quasi Emulsion Solvent Diffusion

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Method
Liquid-liquid Suspension Polymerization (11-13)
The porous microspheres are prepared by suspension polymerization method in liquid-liquid
systems. In this method the monomers which are immiscible are first dissolved along with
active ingredients in a suitable solvent monomer and are then dispersed in the aqueous phase,
which consist of additives like surfactant, suspending agents to facilitate formation of
suspension. The polymerization is then activated by increasing temperature or irradiation or
by addition of catalyst. The polymerization process continues the formation of a reservoir
type of system with spherical structure. After the polymerization process the solvent is
removed leaving the spherical structured porous microspheres, i.e., microsponges.

Figure 2: Reaction vessel for microsponge preparation by liquid-liquid suspension

polymerization
RELEASE MODULATION(14-20)
In general, microsponges retard the release of the drug. Various groups have studied the
release of actives from such systems. Some studies have shown an improved rate of release
by increasing the active/polymer ratio and lowering the polymer wall thickness; however
these results are not supported by another set of studies. Thus, there seem to be many other
factors affecting the release of the drug from the microsponges. Another important parameter
that governs the release seems to be the pore diameter5 however; another study 13 has shown
that even the overall porosity (including the pore diameter and the number of pores) also
affects the drug release. The microsponge particles have an open structure and the active is
free to move in and out from the particles and into the vehicle until equilibrium is reached.

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Once the finished product is applied to the skin,the active that is already in the vehicle ewill
be absorbed into the skin, depleting the vehicle, which will become unsaturated, therefore
disturbing the equilibrium. This will start a flow of the active from the microsponge particle
into the vehicle and from it to the skin until the vehicle is either dried absorbed. Even after
that the microsponge particles retained on the surface of stratum corneum will continue to
gradually release the active to the skin, providing prolonged release over time. This proposed
mechanism of action highlights the importance of formulating vehicles for use with
microsponge entrapments. If the active is too soluble in the desired vehicle during
compounding of finished products, the products will not provide the desired benefits of
gradual release. Instead they will behave as if the active was added to the vehicle in a free
form. Therefore, while formulating microsponge entrapments, it is important to design a
vehicle that has minimal solubilizing power for the actives. The principle is contrary to the
conventional formulation principles usually applied to the topical products. For these
conventional systems it is normally recommended to maximize the solubility of the active in
the vehicle. When using microsponge entrapments some solubility of the active in the vehicle
is acceptable because the vehicle can provide the initial loading dose of the active until
release from the microsponge. Another way to avoid undesirable premature leaching of the
active from the microsponge polymer is to formulate the product with some free and some
entrapped active, so the vehicle is presaturated. In this case there will not be any leaching of
the active form of polymer during compounding. The rate of active release will ultimately
depend not only on the partition coefficient of the active ingredient between the polymer and
the vehicle (or the skin), but also on some of the parameters that characterize the beads.
Examples of these include surface area and primarily, mean pore diameter5. Release can also
be controlled through diffusion or other triggers such as moisture, pH,friction or temperature.
PROGRAMMABLE RELEASE
()Pressure triggered systems
Microsponge system releases the entrapped material when pressurized/rubbed; the amount
released depends upon various characteristics of the sponge. By varying the type of material
and different process variables, the microsponge best suited for a given application may be
optimized. When compared with mineral oil containing microcapsules, mineral oil containing
microsponge showed much more softening effect. The duration of emolliency was also much
more for the microsponge systems.

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()Temperature triggered systems

Some entrapped active ingredients can be too viscous at room temperature to flow
spontaneously from microsponges onto the skin. Increased in skin temperature can result in
an increased flow rate and henc erelease. So it is possible to modulate the release of
substances from the microsponge by modulation of temperature. For example, viscous
sunscreens were found to show a higher release from microsponges when exposed to higher
temperatures; thus a sunscreen would be released from a microsponge only upon exposure to
the heat from the sun.
() pH triggered systems
Triggering the pH-based release of the active can be achieved by modifying the coating on
the microsponge. This has many applications in drug delivery.
(v) Solubility triggered system
Microsponges loaded with water-soluble ingredients like anti-prespirants and antiseptics will
release the ingredient in the presence of water. Presence of an aqueous medium such as
perspiration can trigger the release rate of active ingredients. Thus release may be achieved
based on the ability of the external medium to dissolve the active, the concentration gradient
or the ability to swell the microspore network.
Evaluation Parameters of Microsponges
Particle size (Microscopy)
Morphology and Surface topography
Characterization of pore structure
Loading efficiency and production yield
Characterization of pore structure
Compatibility studies
Resiliency
Drug release study
Physical Characterization of Microsponges
Particle Size Determination (21)
Particle size analysisof loaded and unloaded microsponges can be performed by laser light
diffractometry or any other suitable method. The values can be expressed for all formulations
as mean particle size range. Cumulative percentage drug release from microsponges of

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different particle size will be plotted against time to study effect of particle size on drug
release. Particles larger than 30m can impart gritty feeling and hence particles of sizes
between 10 and 25m are preferred to use in final topical formulation.
Morphology and Surface Topography of Microsponges(22)
For morphology and surface topography, prepared microsponges can be coated
with gold-palladium under an argon atmosphere at room temperature and then the surface
morphology of the microsponges can be studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
SEM of a fractured microsponge particle can also be taken to illustrate its ultra structure.
Determination of Loading Efficiency and Production Yield(23)
The loading efficiency (%) of the Microsponges can be calculated according to the following
equation:
Actual Drug Content in microsponges
Loading Efficiency= ________________________________ X 100
Theoretical Drug Content
The production yield of the microparticles can be determined by calculating accurately the
initial weight of the raw materials and the last weight of the microsponge obtained.
Practical Mass of Microsponges
Production Yield= X 100
Theoretical Mass (Polymer + Drug)
Determination of True Density (24)
The true density of microparticles is measured using an ultra-pycnometer under helium gas
and is calculated from a mean of repeated determinations.
Characterization of Pore Structure (25)
Pore volume and diameter are vital in controlling the intensity and duration of effectiveness
of the active ingredient. Pore diameter also affects the migration of active ingredients from
microsponges into the vehicle in which the material is dispersed. Mercury intrusion
porosimetry can be employed to study effect of pore diameter and volume with rate of drug
release from microsponges. Porosity parameters of microsponges such as intrusionextrusion
isotherms, pore size distribution, total pore surface area, average pore diameters, interstitial
void volume, percent porosity, percent porosity filled, shape and morphology of the pores,
bulk and apparent density can be determined by using mercury intrusion porosimetry.

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Compatibility Studies(26-29)
Compatibility of drug with reaction adjuncts can be studied by thin layer chromatography
(TLC) and Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) . Effect of polymerization on
crystallinity of the drug can be studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Differential
Scanning Colorimetry(DSC) . For DSC approximately 5mg samples can be accurately
weighed into aluminium pans and sealed and can be run at a heating rate of 15oC/min over a
temperature range 25430oC in atmosphere of nitrogen .
Polymer/Monomer Composition(30)
Factors such as microsponge size, drug loading, and polymercomposition govern the drug
release from microsponges. Polymer composition of the MDS canaffect partition coefficient
of the entrapped drug between the vehicle and the microsponge system and hence have direct
influence on the release rate of entrapped drug. Release of drug from microsponge systems of
different polymer compositions can be studied by plotting cumulative % drug release against
time. Release rate and total amount of drug released from the system composed of methyl
methacrylate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate is slower than styrene/divinyl benzene system.
Resiliency(31)
Resiliency (viscoelastic properties) of microsponges can be modified to produce beadlets
that is softer or firmer according to the needs of thefinal formulation. Increased cross-linking
tends to slowdown the rate of release. Hence resiliency of microsponges will be studied and
optimized as per the requirement by considering release as a function ofcross-linking with
time .
Dissolution Studies(32)
Dissolution profile of microsponges can be studied by use of dissolution apparatus (USP
XXIII) with a modified basket consisted of 5m stainless steel mesh. Speed of the rotation
is150 rpm. The dissolution medium is selected while considering solubility of actives to
ensure sink conditions. Samples from the dissolution medium canbe analyzed by suitable
analytical method at various intervals.
APPLICATIONS OF MICROSPONGES(33)
Microsponges are used mostly for topical, oral administration as well as biopharmaceutical
delivery. It offers the formulator a range of alternatives to develop drug and cosmetic
products. These are developed to deliver an active ingredient efficiently at the low dose and

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also to enhance stability, reduce side effects and modify drug release. Microsponge drug
delivery system unique, novel and versatile and extremely attractive in cosmetic world.
Recent applications of microsponge from sea weed were to detect the diseases and also
microsponge drug delivery in RNA silencing. Some applications of MDS are describe in
Table 1:
Applications
Sunscreens: Long lasting product efficacy, with improved protection against sunburns and
sun related injuries even at elevated concentration and with reduced irritancy and
sensitization.
Anti-acne: E.g. Benzoyl peroxide Maintained efficacy with decreased skin irritation and
sensitization.
Anti-inflammatory: E.g. hydrocortisone Long lasting activity with reduction of skin allergic
response and dermatoses.
Anti-fungals: Sustained release of actives Ingredient.
Anti-dandruffs: E.g. zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide. Reduced unpleasant odour with
lowered irritation with extended safety and efficacy
Antipruritics: Extended and improved activity.
Skin depigmenting: E.g.hydroquinone. Improved stabilization against oxidation with
improved efficacy and aesthetic agents appeal.
Rubefacients: Prolonged activity with reduced irritancy greasiness and odour.
1. Microsponge for topical delivery(34-37)
The Microsponge systems are based on microscopic, polymer-based microspheres that can
bind, suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances and then be incorporated into a
formulated product, such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. A single Microsponge is as tiny
as a particle of talcum powder, measuring less than one-thousandth of an inch in diameter.
Like a true sponge, each microsphere consists of a myriad of interconnecting voids within a
non-collapsible structure that can accept a wide variety of substances. The outer surface is
typically porous, allowing the controlled flow of substances into and out of the sphere.
Several primary characteristics, or parameters, of the Microsponge system can be defined
during the production phase to obtain spheres that are tailored to specific product applications
and vehicle compatibility. Microsponge systems are made of biologically inert polymers.
Extensive safety studies have demonstrated that the polymers are non-irritating,
nonmutagenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic and non-biodegradable. As a result, the human body

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cannot convert them into other substances or break them down. Although they
aremicroscopic in size, these systems are too large to pass through the stratum corneum when
incorporated into topical products.
Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is commonly used in topical formulations for the treatment of acne,
with skin irritation as a common side effect. It has been shown that controlled release of BPO
from a delivery system to the skin could reduce the side effect while reducing percutaneous
absorption. Therefore, microsponge delivery of Benzoyl peroxide was developed using an
emulsion solvent diffusion method by adding an organic internal phase containing benzoyl
peroxide, ethyl cellulose and dichloromethane into a stirred aqueous phase containing
polyvinyl alcohol and by suspension polymerization of styrene and divinyl benzene .The
prepared microsponges were dispersed in gel base and microsponge gels are evaluated for
anti-bacterial and skin irritancy. The entrapped system released the drug at slower rate than
the system containing free BPO. Topical delivery system with reduced irritancy was
successfully developed
2. Microsponge for oral delivery(38,39)
In oral applications, the microsponge system has been shown to increase the rate of
solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs by entrapping such drugs in the microsponge
system's pores. As these pores are very small, the drug is in effect reduced to microscopic.
particles and the significant increase in the surface area thus greatly increases the rate of
solubilization. Controlled oral delivery of ibuprofen microsponges is achieved with an acrylic
polymer, Eudragit RS, by changing their intraparticle density. Sustained release formulation
ofchlorpheniramine maleate, using powder-coated microsponges, is prepared by the dry
impact blending method, for oral drug delivery. Controlled oral delivery of Ketoprofen
prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method with Eudragit RS 100 and afterwards
tablets of microsponges were prepared by the direct compression method. Results indicated
that compressibility was much improved in the physical mixture of the drug and polymer; due
to the plastic deformation of the sponge-like microsponge structure, producing mechanically
strong tablets. Colon-specific, controlled delivery of flurbiprofen was conducted by using a
commercial Microsponge 5640 system. In vitro studies exhibited that compression-coated
colon-specific tablet formulations started to release the drug at the eighth hour, corresponding
to the proximal colon arrival time, due to addition of the enzyme, following a modified
release pattern, while the drug release from the colon-specific formulations prepared by pore

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plugging the microsponges showed an increase at the eighth hour, which was the point of
time when the enzyme addition was made .
3.Microsponge for Bone and Tissue Engineering(40,41)
Bone-substitute compounds were obtained by mixing pre polymerized powders of
polymethylmethacrylate and liquid methylmethacrylate monomer with two aqueous
dispersions of tricalcium phosphate grains and calcium deficient hydroxyl apatite powders.
The final composites appeared to be porous and acted as microsponges. Basic fibroblast
growth factor (bFGF) incorporated in a collagen sponge sheet was sustained released in the
mouse sub-cutis according to the biodegradation of the sponge matrix, and exhibited local
angiogenic activity in a dose-dependent manner. The injection of collagen microsponges
incorporating bFGF induced a significant increase in the blood flow, in the murine ischemic
hind limb, which could never have been attained by the bolus injection of bFGF. These
results suggest the significance and therapeutic utility of the type I collagen as a reservoir of
bFGF
MARKET FORMULATION USING A MDS
Sr.NO.

PRODUCT

Carac Cream, 0.5%

2
3
4

Oil Control Lotion

Retinol cream
EpiQuin Micro

Sportscream RS and XS

6
7

Micro Peel Plus

Oil free matte block spf20

MANUFACTURE
Dermik Laboratories, Inc.
Berwyn , PA 19312 USA
Fountain Cosmetics
Biomedic
SkinMedicaInc
Embil Pharmaceutical Co.
Ltd
Biomedic
Dermalogica

CONCLUSION
The microsponge drug delivery technology is widely applicable to the dermatological drug
delivery products. The microsponge delivery technology of controlled release system in
which active pharmaceutical ingredients are loaded in the microporous beads and initiates
reduction in side effects with improved therapeutic efficacy. The microsponge drug delivery
system has properties like improved stability and enhanced flexibility in formulation. MDS is
originally developed for topical delivery of drugs like anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-dandruffs, antipruritics, rubefacients etc. But MDS also expands its application in
oral drug delivery, bone and tissue engineering, in detecting the diseases and inRNAi

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silencing Hence, the microsponge drug delivery system focus as an important tool for future
inventions in controlled drug delivery system
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