Mucoadhesive Microsphere: A Review

ABOUT AUTHOR
Alok Singh^*, Devender Singh, Dr. R. Irchhaiya
Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India

Abstract: The conventional oral dosage forms have disadvantages regarding the short duration of delivery to system. A controlled release system designed to increase its residence time in stomach with contact with mucosa was achieved by the formulation of mucoadhesive microsphere of the drug. The aim of the present study is to provide an overview of various aspects of mucoadhesive microsphere based on various polymers, preparation methodology of mucoadhesive microspheres, different methods of evaluation and their applications in drug delivery. Microspheres constitute an important part of novel drug delivery system by virtue of their small size and efficient carrier capacity. Microspheres are the carrier linked drug delivery system in which particle size is ranges from 1-1000 μm range in diameter having a core of drug and entirely outer layers of polymer as coating material. These have the disadvantage of having short residence time, so the bio-adhesive characteristics can be coupled to microspheres to develop mucoadhesive microspheres. Mucoadhesion can be defined as the state in which two materials, at least one of which is mucous membrane, are held together for a prolonged time period by means of interfacial forces. Mucoadhesive microspheres have advantages like efficient absorption and enhanced bioavailability of the drugs due to a high surface to volume ratio, a much more intimate contact with the mucus layer, controlled and sustained release of drug from dosage form and specific targeting of drugs to the absorption site.
Key words: Mucoadhesive microspheres, Bioadhesion, Controlled drug delivery