SCAFFOLD BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON NANOSPONGES

Abstract

The advent of nanotechnology lead to invention of many dosage forms. Effective targeted drug delivery systems with
controlled release 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 scaffold 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 in the pores. 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 fashion. 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. Owing to their small size and porous nature they can encapsulate poorly-soluble drugs within their matrix and
improve their solubility and bioavailability. This review attempts to elaborate the interesting features of nanosponges as a
scaffold, method of preparation, characterization and recent updates of nanosponges in drug delivery.