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International Journal of Universal Pharmacy and Bio Sciences 3(4): July-August 2014

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UNIVERSAL

PHARMACY AND BIO SCIENCES
IMPACT FACTOR 1.89***
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Pharmaceutical Sciences

INNOVATIVE AND NOVEL STRATEGY: MICROSPONGES DRUG

DELIVERY SYSTEM
Sandhyarani R. Sagavkar*, Dr. Shrinivas K Mohite
Dept of pharmaceutics. Rajarambapu College of Pharmacy, Kasegaon. Dist. Sangli.
KEYWORDS:
Microsponges, Controlled
release, Porous
microspheres, Solvent
evaporation.

For Correspondence:
Sandhyarani R.
Sagavkar *

ABSTRACT
Microsponges are at the forefront of the rapidly developing field of novel
drug delivery technology.

More and more developments in delivery

systems are being integrated to optimize the efficacy and cost-effectiveness

of the therapy .To control the delivery rate of active agents to a
predetermined site in human body has been one of the biggest challenges
faced by drug industry. Microsponge drug delivery technology holds a
great promise for reaching the goal of controlled and site-specific drug
delivery and hence, has attracted wide attention of researchers

Address: Dept of

Microsponges are designed to deliver a pharmaceutically active ingredient

pharmaceutics.

efficiently at minimum dose and also to enhance stability, reduce side

Rajarambapu College of

effects, and modify drug release profiles. Microsponges are prepared by

Pharmacy, Kasegaon.

several methods utilizing quasi emulsion system diffusion or by liquid

Dist. Sangli.

liquid suspension polymerization system Appropriate analytical techniques

Email:

for characterization of Microsponges like Particle size and its distribution,

sandu7394@gmail.com

surface morphology, compatibility study, dissolution test

are covered.

Advantages, limitations and their possible remedies of the microsponge

drug delivery are also mentioned. Microsponge drug delivery can provide
increased efficacy for topically active agents with enhanced safety,
extended product stability in an efficient and novel manner. They are
mostly used for topical use and have recently been used for oral
administration for colon targeting.

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INTRODUCTION:
Conventional topical formulations are designed to work on the outer layer of the skin when the
active ingredient of this formulations are released upon applications highly concentrated layer of
active ingredient is produced which is rapidly absorbed there is a need for this system to prolong the
time that active ingredient which is retained on the skin or within the epidermis decreases its
transdermal penetrations As a result of high concentration of active agent employed in conventional
topical dosage forms there have been several side effect recorded in significant users such as
irritation and allergic reaction.1 Moreover, the application of topical drugs suffers many problems,
such as, ointments, which are often aesthetically unappealing, greasiness, stickiness, and so on, that
often results into lack of patient compliance. Other drawback of topical formulations are
uncontrolled evaporation of active ingredient, unpleasant odour and potential incompatability of
drug with vehicles there is a need for a system to maximize amount of time that an active ingredients
present either on the skin surface or within the epidermis and minimizing its transdermal penetration
into the body the Microsponges drug delivery fulfills this requirements. 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
2

The microsponge technology was developed by Won in 1987 and the original patents were assigned
to Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc.3Microsponges are polymeric delivery systems composed of
porous microspheres. They are tiny sponge-like spherical particles with a large porous surface. They
may enhance stability, reduce side effects and modify drug release favorably. Microsponge
technology has many favorable characteristics, which make it a versatile drug delivery vehicle.
Microsponge Systems are based on microscopic, polymer-based microspheres that can suspend or
entrap a wide variety of substances, and can then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a
gel, cream, liquid or powder. MDS can provide increased efficacy for topically active agents with
enhanced safety, extended product stability and improved aesthetic properties in an efficient and
novel manner3. Although the microsponge size may vary, a typical 25 m sphere can have up to
250000 pores and an internal pore structure equivalent to 10 ft in length, providing a total pore
volume of about 1 ml/g. This results in a large reservoir within each microsponge, which can be
loaded with up to its own weight of active agent. The microsponge particles themselves are too large
to be absorbed into the skin and this adds a measure of safety to these microsponge materials.
Another safety concern is the potential bacterial contamination of the materials entrapped in the
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microsponge. As the size of the pore diameter is smaller, the bacteria ranging from 0.007 to 0.2 m
cannot penetrate into the tunnel structure of the microsponges.4

Figure no. 1: View of microsponge5

Potential features of microsponge drug delivery systems:6,7

MDS have stability over a pH range of 1 11.

Microsponges formulation are stable at the temperature up to 130C.

Higher pay load is up to 50 60%, still free flowing and cost effective

Extended release up to 12 hours

Microsponges are microscopic spheres capable of absorbing skin secretions, therefore,

reducing oiliness and shine from the skin. e.g oil control lotion

Advanced oil control absorbs up to six times its weight without drying. e.g oil free
matte block spf20

Improved product aesthetics gives product and elegant feel

Improved chemical, physical and thermal stability

These

are

non

irritating,

non

mutagenic,

non

allergenic

and

non

toxic

Eg.CaracCream,0.5% Carac is a once-a-day topical prescription product for the

treatment of Actinic keratoses. Improves material processing e.g. Liquid can be
converted into powders.
Characters of drugs to be entrapped in the microsponges:4,7
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 a monomer or capable of being made miscible by the
addition of a small amount of a water-immiscible solvent.

It should be water immiscible or at most only slightly soluble.

The solubility of active ingredients in the vehicle should be minimum otherwise the
microsponge will be diminished by the vehicle before application.
It should be inert to monomers and should not increase the viscosity of the mixture during
formulation.
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It should be stable when in contact with the polymerization catalyst and under conditions of
polymerization.

It should maintain (preserve) the spherical structure of microsponge.

Only 10 to 12% w/w microsponge can be incorporated into the vehicle to eliminate cosmetic
delinquent.

Payload and polymer design of the microsponges for the active must be adjusted to obtain the
desired release rate of a given period of time.

Formulation: 8-16
The MDS contain drug, polymer, vehicle and other additives like plasticizers that help stabilize the
structure. Various drugs used in MDS are Benzoyl peroxide, Mupirocine, Tretinoin, Aceclofenac,
Flucinolone, acetonide, Ketoprofen, Paracetamol , Dicyclomine, Fluconazol, Hydroquinone etc.
Polymers used:
For the preparation of mirosponge various polymers can be used such as Ethyl cellulose, Eudragit
RS 100, Polystyrene, acrylic polymers and PHEMA etc
PREPARATION OF MICROSPONGES 17,18
Drug loading in microsponges can take place in two ways, one-step process or by two-step process
as discussed in liquid-liquid suspension polymerization and quasi emulsion solvent diffusion
techniques which are based on physico-chemical properties of drug to be loaded. If the drug is
typically an inert non-polar material, will create the porous structure it is called porogen. Poro-gen
drug, which neither hinders the polymerization nor become activated by it and stable to free radicals
is entrapped with one-step process.
i) Liquid-Liquid Suspension Polymerization
It is also referred to as Bottom-up approach (starting with monomer) figure no 2. In general, a
solution is made comprising of monomers and the active ingredients (non polar). This phase is then
suspended with agitation in an aqueous phase containing additives such as surfactants and dispersing
agents. Once the suspension is established with discrete droplets of desired size, polymerization is
effected by activating the monomers either by catalysis, increased temperature or irradiation. The
various steps summarized are as follows;
1. Selection of monomer or combination of monomers
2. Formation of chain monomers as polymerization begins
3. Formation of ladders as a result of crosses linking between chain monomers
4. Folding of monomer ladder to form spherical particles
5. Agglomeration of microspheres, which give rise to formation, bunches of microspheres
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6. Binding of bunches to form microsponges.

The polymerization process leads to the formation of a reservoir type of system, which opens at the
surface through pores. Impregnating them within preformed microsponges then incorporates the
functional substances. Sometimes solvent may be used for faster and efficient incorporation of the
active substances. Once the polymerization is complete the solid that result from the process are
recovered from the suspension. The particles are then washed and processed until they are
substantially ready for use. The microsponge product can be made using styrene and divinyl benzene
or methyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as starting materials.

Figure no.2 : Reaction vessel for microsponge preparation by liquid-liquid suspension

polymerization
) Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion:
This is a two step process where the microsponges can be prepared by quasi emulsion solvent
diffusion method (Figure no. 3) using the different polymer amounts. The internal phase consisted of
drug, suitable organic solvent, polymer( i.e Eudragit RS 100 or ethyl cellulose) and triethylcitrate
(TEC), which was added at an amount of 20% of the polymer in order to facilitate the plasticity
dissolved under ultrasonication at 35oC. The inner phase was poured into outer phase i.e the PVA
solution in water Following 2 -3 hr of stirring, the mixture is filtered to separate the microsponges.
The microsponges are dried in an air-heated oven at 40oC for 12 Hr and weighed.

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Figure no.3: Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique

Hypothetical mechanism of action
The active ingredient is added to the vehicle in an entrapped form. As the microsponge particles
have an open structure (i.e., they do not have a continuous membrane surrounding them), the active
is free to move in and out from the particles and into the vehicle until equilibrium is reached, when
the vehicle becomes saturated. Once the finished product is applied to the skin, the active that is
already in the vehicle will 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 or
absorbed. Even after that the microsponge particles retained on the surface of the 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
the 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
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solubilizing power for the actives. This principle is contrary to the conventional formulation
principles usually applied to 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 th active until release from the microsponge is activated by the
shift in equilibrium from the polymer into the carrier. 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 pre-saturated. In this case there will not be any leaching of
the active from the 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 an primarily, mean pore diameter. Release can also be controlled through diffusion or
other triggers such as moisture, pH, friction or temperature.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROSPONGES:17,20-22
(i) Particle size determination
Particle size analysis of 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 size range. Cumulative percentage drug release from microsponges of 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.
(ii) Morphology and surface topography of microsponges
For morphology and surface topography, prepared microsponges can be coated with goldpalladium
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.
(iii) Determination of loading efficiency and production yield
The loading efficiency (%) of the microsponges can be calculated according to the following
equation:
Actual Drug Content in Microsponges X 100
Loading efficiency = ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ..(1)
Therotical 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.
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Practical mass of microsponges X 100

Production Yield = -----------------------------------------------------------------Theoretical mass ( polymer + drug)

(2)

(iv) Determination of true density

The true density of microparticles is measured using an ultra-pycnometer under helium gas and is
calculated from a mean of repeated determinations.
(v) Characterization of pore structure
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.
(vi) Compatibility studies
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 aluminum pans and
sealed and can be run at a heating rate of 15oC/min over a temperature range 25430oC in
atmosphere of nitrogen.
(vii) Polymer/monomer composition
Factors such as microsphere size, drug loading, and polymer composition govern the drug release
from microspheres Polymer composition of the MDS can affect 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.
viii) Release evaluations
Release mechanism of microsponges: 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 sys-tem 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.
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ix) Dissolution tests

Dissolution profile of microsponges can be studied by use of dissolution apparatus USP XXIII with
a modified basket consisted of 5m stainless steel mesh. The speed of the rotation is 150 rpm. The
dissolution medium is selected while considering solubility of actives to ensure sink conditions.
Samples from the dissolution medium can be analysed by suitable analytical method at various
intervals.
Applications:
Microsponge delivery systems are used to enhance the safety, effectiveness and aesthetic quality of
topical prescription, over-the-counter and personal care products. microsponges that are used mostly
for topical and recently for oral administration it offers the formulator a range of alternatives to
develop drug and cosmetic products
() Topical drug delivery using microsponge technology 23
A) Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is commonly used in topical formulations for the treatment of acne and
athletes foot. Skin irritation is a common side effect, and it has been shown that controlled release of
BPO from delivery system to the skin could reduce the side effect while reducing percutaneous
absorption. Benzoyl peroxide microparticles were prepared 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.
B) A microsponge based topical delivery system of mupirocin, a topical antibiotic used for skin
infections, aiming to achieve sustained drug release and enhanced deposition in the skin.
Microsponges containing mupirocin were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method. A 32
factorial design was applied to examine and optimize the effect of formulation and process variables,
namely; internal phase volume and stirring speed, on the physical characteristics of microsponges.
The optimized microsponges were incorporated into an emulgel base. The mupirocin-loaded
formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug deposition, and in vivo
antibacterial activity. Drug release studies showed diffusion-controlled release pattern, and drug
deposition studies using abdominal rat skin demonstrated significant retention of the drug in skin
from microsponge-based formulations. The optimized formulations were stable and nonirritant to
skin according to Draize patch test. In addition, microsponges-based emulgel formulations exhibited
prolonged efficacy in mouse surgical wound model infected with Staphylococcus aureus. The
enhanced retention of mupirocin in the skin from themicrosponge based formulations suggests the
formulation to be an efficient delivery system for treatment of primary and secondary skin infections
as compared with marketed mupirocin ointment and conventional mupirocin emulgel

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() Oral drug delivery using microsponge technology24

In oral drug delivery the microsponge system increase the rate of solubilization of poorly water
soluble drugs by entrapping them in the microsponge systems 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 increase the rate of solubilization.
A) The formulation containing ketoprofen microsponges yielded good modified release tablets. An
in vivo study was designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters and to compare them with
the commercially available ketoprofen retard tablets containing the same amount of the active drug.
Commercial ketoprofen retard tablets showed a more rapid absorption rate than modified release
tablets and pea levels were reached within almost 3.6 h after administration.
B) The new modified release tablets showed a slower absorption rate and peak levels werereached 8
h after administration Controlled oral delivery of ibuprofen microsponges is achieved with an acrylic
polymer, eudragit RS, by changing their intraparticle density.
C) A Microsponge system offers the potential to hold active ingredients in a protected environment
and provide controlled delivery of oral medication to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where it
will be released upon exposure to specific enzymes in the colon. This approach opens up entirely
new opportunities for MDS by colon specific targeting of drugs. Paracetamol loaded eudragit based
microsponges were prepared using quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method, then the colon specific
tablets were prepared by compressing the microsponges followed by coating with pectin:
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) mixture. In vitro release studies exhibited that compression
coated colon specific tablet formulations started releasing the drug at 6th hour corresponding to the
arrival time at proximal colon.
()Bone tissue engineering using microsponge technology 25,26
3D biodegradable porous scaffold plays a very important role in articular cartilage tissue
engineering. The hybrid structure of 3D scaffolds was developed that combined the advantages of
natural type I collagen and synthetic PLGA knitted mesh. The mechanically strong PLGA mesh
served as a skeleton while the collagen microsponges facilitated cell seeding and tissue formation.

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Table no.1 : Applications of microsponges with respect to their advantage6,32

Sr.No Application
Anti-acne: E.g. Benzoyl peroxide
1.

Advantages
Maintained efficacy with decreased skin irritation and
sensitization.
Long lasting activity with reduction of skin allergic
2.
Anti-inflammatory
E.g. hydrocortisone
response and dermatoses.
Long lasting product efficacy, with improved
3.
Sunscreens:
protection against sunburns and sun related injuries
even at elevated concentration and with reduced
irritancy and sensitization.
Sustained release of actives Ingredient
4.
Anti-fungals:
Anti-dandruffs:
E.g.
zinc Reduced unpleasant odour with lowered irritation with
5.
pyrithione, selenium sulfide.
extended safety and efficacy
Extended and improved activity.
6.
Antipruritics:
7.
Skin
depigmenting: Improved stabilization against oxidation with
E.g.hydroquinone.
improved efficacy and aesthetic agents appeal.
Prolonged activity with reduced irritancy greasiness
8.
Rubefacients:
and odour.
27,28
Microsponge Delivery Systems Drug Disease
Table no. 2: Examples of microsponge drug delivery with their formulations
MDS
Gels

Creams
Implants
Lotions
Tablets

Others

Drug
Benzoyl peroxide

Disease
Anti-Acne Treatment

Diclofenac sodium

Inflammation

Terbinafine HCl

Anti-fungal

Hydroxyzine HCl

Urticaria and atopic dermatitis

Mupirocin
Hydroquinone and Retinol
Poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic
acid)
Benzoyl peroxide
Ketoprofen
Paracetamol

Antibacterial activity
Melanoma
Skin tissue engineering

Dicyclomine
Meloxicam
Benzoylperoxide
Ibuprofen

Anticholinergic
Arthritis
Anti-Acne Treatment
NSAID

Anti-Acne Treatment
Musculoskeletal pain
Colon targeting

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Table no. 3: Marketed Formulations Of Microsponges

Product Name
Carac
0.5%

Advantages

Company

cream, Carac cream contains 0.5% fluorouracil, with Dermik Laboratories,

0.35% being incorporated into a patented porous Inc.Berwyn,PA19312
microsphere (Microsponge) composed of methyl USA
methacrylate / glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer and dimethicone.

Retinol cream

Retin-A-Micro

EpiQuin micro

Oil control lotion

The retinol molecule is kept in the microsponge

system to protect the potency of vitamin A. This
helps to maximize the retinol dosage, while
reducing the possibility of irritation. Retinol is a
topical vitamin A derivative, which helps
maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous
membranes
0.1 And 0.04% tretinoin entrapped in MDS, for
topical treatment of acne vulgaris. This
formulation uses patented methyl methacrylate /
glycol+8 dimethacrylate cross-polymer porous
microspheres
The Microsponge system entrap hydroquinone
and retinol. The microsponges release these
ingredients into the skin gradually throughout
the day, which may minimize skin irritation
Feature-light lotion microsponges that absorb oil
on the skin's surface during the day, for a matte
finish.Eliminate shine for hours with this
feature-weight lotion.

Biomedic

Ortho-McNeil
Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Skin Medica Inc

Fountain Cosmetics

CONCLUSION
A Microsponge Delivery System can entrap wide range of actives and then release them onto the
skin over a time and in response to trigger. It is a unique technology for the controlled release of
topical agents and consists of microporous beads loaded with active agent and also use for oral as
well as biopharmaceutical drug delivery. A Microsponge Delivery System can release its active
ingredient on a time mode and also in response to other stimuli. Thus microsponge has got a lot of
potential and is a very emerging field which is needed to be explored. Microsponges constitute a
significant part by virtue of their small size and efficient carrier characteristics.
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