Microsponge: An Innovative and Novel Strategy for Drug Delivery System

211 Available online at www.derpharmachemica.com ISSN 0975-413X CODEN (USA): PCHHAX Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 (http://www.derpharmachemica.com/archive.html) Microsponge: An Innovative and Novel Strategy for Drug Delivery System Shweta Saboo , Y ogesh Bhise 1* Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India *Corresponding author: Shweta Saboo, Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, E-mail: [email protected] Received: 22-December-2023, Manuscript no: DPC-23-123824, Editor assigned: 27-December-2023, PreQC No: DPC-23-123824 (PQ), Reviewed: 10-January-2024, QC No: DPC-23-123824, Revised: 29-January-2024, Manuscript No: DPC-23-123824 (R), Published: 26-February2024, DOI: 10.4172/0975-413X.16.1.211-223 ABSTRACT The microsponge approach has become a highly competitive and rapidly evolving technology. They are porous, highly cross-linked, polymeric microspheres that can be efficiently incorporated into topical drug delivery systems for the purpose of release and retention of dosage form on the skin over a long period of time. Furthermore, they may modify drug release, enhance stability, improve patient compliance and reduce side effects. microsponge systems are non-toxic, non-irritating, non-mutagenic and non-allergenic. In general, there are multiple methods used to manufacture microsponges, such as the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method and liquid-liquid suspension polymerization. The present review focuses on the microsponge preparation methods along with its principle and characterization such as Particle size and distribution, porosity, density and surface morphology and release mechanis and drugs incorporated in the Microsponges Drug Delivery System (MDS). Keywords: Microsponge delivery system; Controlled release; Microsponge preparation methods; Drugs used in MDS INTRODUCTION The area of drug delivery mechanisms is now quite challenging and evolving rapidly. Many advancements in medication delivery systems are integrated to maximize the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of therapy. Medicine delivery systems that offer precise control over the rate of release to a particular part of the body have a significant impact on the health care system. Conventional dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, gels, creams and lotions have an instantaneous release and exhibit numerous inadequacies such as low bioavailability, gastrointestinal and skin irritation, unpleasant reactions and toxicological outcomes of active ingredients. One of the significant fields of pharmaceutical sciences is represented by the modified medication release strategy, which benefits both human and animal health. The Microsponges Delivery System (MDS) is a "highly porous, cross-linked, polymeric system composed of porous microspheres that can entrap a wide range of active chemicals and then release them into the skin layers in effective ways over time and in response to a trigger event". Microsponge polymers are versatile enough to accommodate a variety of active ingredients, enhancing product efficacy, stability and extended wear for a variety of skin therapies. Won developed microsponge technology in 1987; it was later patented as a sophisticated polymer that may be used for over-the-counter products, prescription pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (Figure 1) [1-5]. Figure 1: Porous nature of microsponge. 2 Department of Pharmacy. Governmeent College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, India 1 2 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Microsponges typically have a diameter of 5 μm to 300 μm and an average pore size of 0.25 μm, which is much smaller than the average size of many different microorganisms and prevents their penetration. Because of this, microsponges are referred to as self-sterilizing and do not require any form of excipients to maintain their stability. Each particle has a surface that is highly porous and is made up of interconnected channels that form a non-collapsible structure. Depending on the pore size, the pores form an uninterrupted arrangement open to the outer surface of the micro particles, allowing the controlled diffusion of the medication contained. In addition, environmental factors like pH and temperature might affect the release and friction during application, as well as autocatalytic degradation at the application site. The permeation and release can also be stimulusresponsive and release the active ingredients in response to changes in pH, temperature, rubbing and time. These delivery systems have a porous polymeric structure that resembles a sponge-like sphere particle with interconnecting spaces inside of its rigid form and a substantial porous surface. This structure controls the release of the medicine from the delivery system. Microsponges are porous microsphere-based polymeric delivery methods for active pharmacological ingredients that have the potential to be included in a variety of pharmaceutical dosage forms, such as gels, emulsions, tablets and capsules [6-10]. Microsponges are used in oral, topical and ocular administration systems. For topical distribution, microsponges can suspend or entrap a wide range of compounds that can be made into gel, cream, liquid or powder form. A Microsponge Delivery System (MDS) can hold a variety of active substances, including fragrance, sunscreen, emollients, anti-fungal, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory compounds. Drug delivery systems that may regulate therapeutic release rates or direct medications to a specific body site increase drug efficacy, drug therapy cost-effectiveness and patient compliance. This technique is frequently used to entrap medicines that are insoluble or very slightly soluble, such as antibacterial, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, antidepressant, antiemetic. Microsponges are suitable topical carriers because they release their encapsulated active ingredient gradually without penetrating the skin or mucous membranes. Accordingly, this MDS system has been commercially employed for chronotherapy of topical drug delivery and is considered for oral, parenteral and pulmonary drug delivery [11-13]. LITERATURE REVIEW Advantages of microsponges’ technology  An improvement in product performance.  Microsponges prolong the duration of drug action and maintain drug release for up to 12 hours.  They have a large surface area, which increases their capacity for trapping.  Microsponges are non-toxic, hypoallergenic and free of irritants and mutagenic substances.  Stability in terms of physical, chemical and thermal factors can be improved.  Increased solubility and bioavailability of drugs.  The ability to absorb oily skin secretions, results in a shining appearance for the skin.  Immiscible products can be easily entrapped by microsponge.  Microsponges decreased toxicity.  It can prevent a lot of substances from accumulating on the skin's surface without compromising their effectiveness.  Greater consumer acceptability results from decreased irritability and improved tolerance.  Enhances the processing of materials, for example, by turning liquids into powders. Characteristics of microsponges  In the pH range of 1 to 11, formulations are stable.  At temperatures as high as 130°C, microsponge compositions remain stable.  The majority of vehicles and components are compatible with microsponge compositions.  Microsponge compositions are self-sterilizing because of the inability of germs to pass through their typical pore size of 0.25 μm.  Microsponge compositions offer a greater payload (50%-60%), are still free-flowing and may be economical.  Oil can be absorbed by microsponges up to six times its weight.  The entrapment efficiency of microsponge formulations is high, reaching 50 to 60 percent.  They are more flexible in their formulation. Benefits The following benefits of the microsponge drug delivery system may exist:  Without the use of preservatives, shelf life and product stability can be extended because bacteria cannot fit within the microsponge due to their size.  Microsponges have a huge internal surface area, a high pay loading capacity and are highly compartmentalized.  Ingredients are suitable for topical application to the skin when their undesirable properties, such as oiliness and tackiness, as well as their disagreeable feel and odor, are greatly decreased.  The delayed release of medications produced for topical use is made possible by MDS, increasing their efficacy.  Microsponges are non-collapsible structures comprised of interconnected gaps with a broad porous surface. Limitations of microsponge delivery system  Organic solvents are typically used as the porogen in the preparation process for microsponge, which poses risks to the environment and public safety because they can catch fire easily.  Very little residual monomer residue that could be poisonous and life-threatening has been observed in certain situations. Properties of the actives for the entrapment into the microsponge  It must either be completely miscible in the monomer or have the ability to become miscible by adding a small amount of a solvent that is not miscible with water.  It must be either water-insoluble or poorly soluble.  It shouldn't make the mixture more viscous during formulation and should be inert to monomers.  It must maintain its stability when in contact with the polymerization catalyst and when polymerization is occurring.  Microsponges shouldn't lose their spherical shape.  For prolonged effect, the API's half-life should be less than 5 hours.  For ease of penetration, a drug's molecular weight should be less than 600 g/mole.  The microsponge can include both hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials (Tables 1-3). 212 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Table 1: List of drugs in the preparation of microsponges. Sr.No. Drug Name Sr. No. Drug Name 1 Benzoyl peroxide (Anti-acne) 17 Diclofenac (NSAID) 2 Retinol (Vitamin-A) 18 Ibuprofen (NSAID) 3 Lornoxicam (NSAID) 19 Paracetamol (NSAIDS) 4 Indomethacin (NSAID) 20 Trolamine (Analgesic) 5 Flurbiprofen (NSAIDS) 21 Etodolac (Anti-inflammatory) 6 Ketoprofen (NSAIDS) 22 Curcumin (Anti-inflammatory) 7 Tretinoin (NSAID) 23 Dicyclomine (Anti-inflammatory) 8 Mupirocin (Anti-bacterial) 24 Acyclovir sodium (Anti-viral) 9 Diacerein (Anti-bacterial) 25 Fluconazole (Anti-fungal) 10 Mometasone furoate (Corticosteroid) 26 Luliconazole (Anti-fungal) 11 Prednisolone (Corticosteroid) 27 Itraconazole (Anti-fungal) 12 Fluocinolone acetonide (Corticosteroid) 28 Tioconazole (Anti-fungal) 13 Erythromycin (Anti-biotic) 29 Oxiconazole (Anti-fungal) 14 Clindamycin (Anti-biotic) 30 Miconazole nitrate (Anti-fungal) 15 Paeonol (Anti-cancer) 31 Nebivolol (Anti-hypertensives) 16 Loratidine (Antihistaminics) 32 Meloxicam (NSAIDS) Table 2: List of polymers used in the preparation of microsponges. Sr.No. Polymer name Sr.No. Polymer name 1 Ethylcellulose 8 Sodium Alginate 2 Eudragit RSPO 9 Carbopol 940 3 Eudragit EPO 10 Carbopol 934 4 Eudragit RS 100 11 HPMC E15 5 Eudragit RL 100 12 Acrylic polymer 6 Eudragit S100 13 Propylene glycol 7 Eudragit L100 14 Polystyrene Table 3: Optimum values for microsponges formulation. Sr.no. Specification Optimum value 1 Drug and Polymer ratio 1:1,1:2,1:3 and 2:1,3:1 2 Amount of drug (mg) 100-300 3 Polyvinyl alcohol (mg) 100 4 Amount of inner phase solvent (ml) 100 5 The temperature of the inner phase 25°C 7 Type of process Magnetic stirrer and bath sonicator 8 Amount of water in the outer phase (ml) 100 9 Magnetic stirrer speed 1000 rpm DISCUSSION Method of preparation of microsponges Preparation methods of microsponges: In accordance with the drug's physical-chemical properties, the procedure for loading the medication into microsponges is depicted in Figure 2.  One-step process: Through this procedure, a non-polar, inactive medication is loaded. The porogen produced by this kind of medication has a porous structure. The porogen medication is neither affected nor activated by the polymerization process and it is resistant to free radicals.  Two-step process: When the medicine is sensitive to a polymerization environment, this technique is used. In this procedure, a replacement porogen is employed during polymerization and is replaced with an active ingredient in a low-stress experimental setting. 213 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Figure 2: Process of drug loading in microsponge. Following are some preparation methods for microsponges: Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method: The previous two stages (external and internal phase) are constructed using this procedure. The internal phase contains the active therapeutic agent, polymer, solvent and plasticizer, while the external phase consists of organic solvents and distilled water containing surfactants. As depicted in Figure 3, the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion is a two-step procedure [14-16]. Figure 3: Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. The steps involved in preparation can be described as (Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method): Preparation of the internal phase through the polymer's dissolution in a volatile solvent, such as acetone, dichloromethane or ethyl alcohol.  The drug was slowly added and dissolved into the above solution.  PVA is dissolved in water to prepare the outer phase.  Pouring the inner phase into the outer phase while stirring vigorously for 60 minutes at a specific RPM.  Quasi-emulsion globules are separate globules that form as a result of vigorous swirling.  Creating hard, insoluble microsponges by extracting solvent from globules.  By filtration, the created microsponges are separated.  Microsponges should be cleaned using a suitable solvent.  Microsponges can be dried in an oven for up to 12 hours at 40°C.  Percentage yield determined by weighing. Liquid-liquid suspension polymerization method:  The suspension polymerization method used to create microsponges is based on the free radical suspension polymerization technique depicted in Figure 2.  This method uses three bare round-bottom flasks with a stirrer, coupled to a water condenser and a thermometer to measure the temperature (Figures 4 and 5). 214 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Figure 4: Liquid-liquid suspension polymerization. Figure 5: Reaction vessel for microsponge preparation by liquid-liquid suspension polymerization. The steps involved in the suspension polymerization method can be described as follows: Monomer choice (single or numerous).  Chain monomers form once the polymerization process gets going.  The development of a ladder due to the cross-linking of chain monomers.  Development of sphere-shaped particles (microspheres).  The clumping together of spherical particles to form bunches.  Microsponges are created when microsphere clusters come together. Multiple-emulsion solvent diffusion To create biodegradable porous microspheres, a unique approach was devised. This approach involved dispersing an internal aqueous phase in an organic polymeric solution that contained an emulsifier such as span, polyethylenemine and stearyl amine. After that, a double emulsion was created by dispersing this non-emulsion once more in an external aqueous phase that included PVA. This approach offers the benefit of entrapping both medications that are water soluble and those that are not. Additionally, it can be utilized to trap thermolabile substances like proteins. According to some authors, xanthan gum acts as an emulsifier to stabilize the internal w/o emulsion. Addition of porogen: In this method, a porogen like a hydrogen peroxide or sodium bicarbonate substituted internal numerous emulsions. For this, a single-phase system consisting of the porogen was created in the polymeric solution and then redispersed in an aqueous phase containing PVA. The multiple emulsions were then given an initiator and the organic solvent was allowed to evaporate, leaving the micro particles to make the microsponges [17-19]. 215 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Oil in oil emulsion solvent diffusion: Contrary to the w/o/w approach, an Oil-in-Oil (o/o) emulsion was created by utilizing a volatile organic liquid as the internal phase, which was then allowed to slowly evaporate at a regulated rate while being continuously stirred. As stated, the procedure used a mixture of fixed oil (corn or mineral) and dichloromethane containing span 85 as the external phase solvent, dichloromethane as the internal phase solvent and polylactide glycolic acid as the polymer. To create the microsponges, the internal phase was continuously stirred into the dispersion medium while being added dropwise. Using acetone as the dispersing solvent and liquid paraffin as the continuous medium, this method was used to create hydroxyzine HCl-loaded Eudragit RS-100 microsponges. The drug's physicochemical characteristics and the polymer used to make microsponges have an impact on the choice of organic solvent and external phase. Lyophilization technique: The gelation process was utilized to create porous microspheres from the gelation procedure-prepared microspheres. In this procedure, the microspheres were lyophilized after being incubated in a chitosan hydrochloride solution. Rapid solvent removal caused the microspheres to develop pores. Due to the speedy removal of the solvent, this process is quick and rapid but has the drawback of producing broken or shrunken microparticles. Vibrating orifice aerosol generator technique: For the first time, a Vibrating Orifice Aerosol Generator (VOAG) was used to create lipid-bilayered mesoporous silica particles. The procedure entailed creating porous particles by the use of VOAG-driven surfactant evaporation in microdroplets. Tetra-ethyl-orthosilicate core particle preparation used stock solution made by refluxing ethanol, water and diluted hydrochloric acid. To create monodisperse droplets using VOAG, the stock solution was diluted with the solvent containing surfactant and agitated. The liposomes contained the created microspheres. The tailored drug distribution of active ingredients is possible with these encapsulated particles. Ultrasound-assisted production: By modifying the liquid-liquid suspension polymerization method, this technique was developed. The monomer Beta-Cyclodextrin (BCD) and the cross-linking agent diphenyl carbonate are used to create the microsponges. The reaction mixture was heated and sonicated to control the size of the microparticles. After the reaction mixture cooled, it was milled to produce rough particles, which were subsequently cleaned with ethanol and distilled water. Cross-linked cyclodextrin microparticles have pores that can act as carriers for medication loading. Electrohydrodynamic atomization method: By using this technique, chitosan microspheres with pores were created. After being sonicated to create bubbles, the chitosan solution was drawn into a syringe, perfused via a steel capillary using a syringe pump and then electro hydrodynamic atomization was applied. The capillary's diameter was selected such that it would hold onto every bubble in the suspension as it passed through it. The sole factor affecting the voltage utilized in the studies is the amount of chitosan present in the solution. In each example, the flow rate and applied voltage produced a steady cone-jet mode, except in the situation when the maximum concentration was used, which was challenging to electrospray. The sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at 4% weight percent was used to cross-link the chitosan microspheres [20]. Effect of formulation variable on microsponges Effect of composition of internal and external phases: The mean particle size of the microsponge will be higher if there is a greater difference between the apparent viscosities of the dispersed and continuous phases. Due to the higher viscosity of the internal phase, the globules of the produced emulsion can scarcely be split into smaller particles and bigger droplets are found, increasing mean particles when the dispersion phase is more viscous is poured into the continuous phase (external phase). Only 3 to 5 ml of internal phase can be used to create the best microsponges. The manufacturing yield and drug content of microsponges are shown to decrease when the internal phase is raised from 5 to 15 ml. This is because the internal phase has a larger concentration while the drug concentration is lower. Effect of drug-to-polymer ratio: Particle size is the variable that was impacted by the change in the drug: Polymer ratio. The microsponge’s particle size increases along with the amount of medicine being used. The loading capacity is not much impacted but the production yield can change significantly from a minimum ratio to a maximum ratio when the amount of polymer concentration is constant but the drug-to-polymer ratio is altered. Effect of stirring rate: With an increased stirring rate, smaller microsponges are produced. The production yield decreases but the drug content rises when the stirring rate is increased, indicating that there is less drug loss when the stirring rate is raised. This is brought on by the external phase turbulence, which makes the polymer adhere to the paddle and lowers production yield (Figure 6). Figure 6: Release mechanism of microsponge drug delivery. Methods of drug release There are three categories for the techniques used to analyze drug release from microsponges and penetration through the skin depicted in Figure 7. 216 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Figure 7: Methods adopted for the study of drug release from microsponge formulation. Factors affecting release mechanism Pressure triggered systems: In this method, when the dosage form is rubbed against the skin, tiny sponges that are entrapped with the medication release it. Process parameters, robustness and the type of material used are only a few of the microsponge's characteristics that affect how much medication is delivered. Temperature triggered systems: When the temperature changes, the active ingredient are released into the body. Some drugs are too viscous to flow at room temperature without interacting with the porous system. However, when the substance is applied to the skin, a rise in skin temperature leads to an increase in flow rate, which results in a continuous release of the medication. pH triggered systems: In this procedure, drug release is triggered by a change in pH and is accomplished by altering the coating on microsponges for pH-based actives. Solubility triggered system: When exposed to water, porous systems that contain a water-soluble excipient release the medication. Release can occasionally be brought on by diffusion mechanisms, which include the partition coefficient between the drug and the external system (Figure 8) (Tables 4-7). Figure 8: Factors affecting the release of drug from microsponge formulation. 217 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Table 4: Summary of recent research on microsponges drug delivery system. Drug used Polymer used Solvent used Method of preparation Result Mometasone furoate Eudragit RS 100 Dichloromethane and ethanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Increasing the ratio of the drug to polymer will decrease the release rate of the drug from microsponges. Etodolac Ethyl cellulose, Eudragit RS 100 Dichloromethane and ethanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Formulation of etodolac with ethyl-cellulose gives the maximum drug release of 99.3% within 8 h. Diclofenac sodium Ethylcellulose Dichloromethane Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Increasing the drug and polymer ratio will increase their release rate followed by Higuchi diffusion kinetic. Acyclovir sodium Ethylcellulose Dichloromethane Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Optimized F1 released 50.85% drug at 8 and Fick's law of diffusion was not followed. Prednisolone Eudragit RS 100 Ethyl alcohol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Cumulative release of microsponges 48.87% at 8 h. Domperidone Eudragit RS 100 Dichloromethane Quasi emulsion solvent diffusion Drug; polymer ratio of 1:2 is more efficient and 76.38% drug release at 8 h. Oxybenzone Ethylcellulose Dichloromethane Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion The controlled release of drugs from microsponges promotes the retention of drugs with reduced permeation activity. Fluconazole Eudragit s 100 Dichloromethane and ethanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Microsponges-loaded gel releases 85.38% drug at 8 h. Sertaconazole nitrate Eudragit RS100 Dichloromethane Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Batch F5 releases 69.38% drug at 8 h. Famotidine Eudragit RS 100 Dichloromethane Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion % Entrapment efficiency was 88.83% and % cumulative release 86.9% for F6 formulation. Risperidone Ethyl cellulose and Eudragit RS 100 Ethyl alcohol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Ethyl cellulose and Eudragit RS 100 gave better drug release and encapsulation efficiency as compared to their single-use. Nateglinide Eudragit RS100 Dichloromethane Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Microsponge with a drug-polymer ratio of 1:3 was more proficient in giving controlled release at the end of 12 h. Betamethasone Eudragit RS100 Dichloromethane and ethanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion The pH of microsponges gel was 6.8 and 73% drug release Piroxicam Eudragit RS100, RL, S100 Dichloromethane and ethanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Piroxicam microsponge carbopol 934 gel produced a significant (p<0.05) improvement of the in-vitro release than pure piroxicam gel. 5-Fluorouracil Eudragit RS 100 Acetone Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion MS-loaded 5-FU was more effective than 5-FU itself. Curcumin Ethylcellulose Dichloromethane and methanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Following zero-order release kinetics, the curcumin microsponges placed inside the capsule shells demonstrated a 93.2 % curcumin release in an 8-hour examination. Tazarotene Eudragit RS100 Dichloromethane and methanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Preparation and development of 0.1 % tazarotene-loaded microsponge gel for increased drug availability at the site of action. Posaconazole Eudragit S 100 Dichloromethane and ethanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Microsponge formulations demonstrated linked diffusion, nonfickian (anomalous) release and polymer matrix relaxation. carbamazepine Ethyl cellulose Dichloromethane and methanol Quasi emulsion solvent diffusion Increasing the concentration of ethyl cellulose increased entrapment efficiency and particle size. The release rate subsequently decreased by increasing ethyl cellulose concentration. Tazarotene Ethylcellulose Dichloromethane and ethanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion The use of TZR-loaded microsponge-based gel as a controlledrelease drug delivery system has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the negative effects associated with traditional TZR formulations. Azithromycin Ethylcellulose Dichloromethane and methanol Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion Azithromycin in a sustained release pattern for an extended period reduces the frequency of application and improves patient compliance. 218 Shweta Saboo Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(1): 211-223 Table 5: Comparison between microsponge, microcapsules and liposomes. Microsponges Microcapsules Liposomes Porous in structure Shell-like structure Bilayer vesicles Size range 5 um-300 um Size range 50 nm-2 nm Size range 40 nm-180 nm Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs can be entrapped Solid or droplets of liquids and dispersion can be entrapped Can entrap both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs Chemically inert across temperature and pH Chemically and thermally stable Controlled drug release Preservative is not required in the formulation Preservatives are required in the formulation Preservatives are required in the liposome formulation Drug entrapment is about 50%-60% Drug entrapment is about 30% Drug entrapment is about 50% Controlled drug release No controlled drug release Controlled drug release Table 6: Various marketed formulations based on microsponges delivery technique. Sr. No. Micropsonge Delivery System Name of product Drug Treatment Advantages Manufacturer 1 Cream Retin-AMicro 1 Tretinoin Acne-vulgaris 0.17 and 0.04% tretinoin entrapped into a microsponge containing methyl methacrylate/glycol and di methacrylate polymer. Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2 Cream Line eliminator dual retinol Retinol Anti-wrinkle Lightweight cream delivers both immediate and time-released wrinklefighting action. Avon 3 Cream Carac cream 0.05% Fluorouracil Actinic keratoses 0.5% Fluorouracil incorporated into a microsponge composed of glycolmethacrylate/methyl methacrylate and dimethicone. Dermik laboratories Inc 4 Cream EpiQuin micro 8 Hydroquinone and retinol Hyperpigmentation Microsponges release active ingredients into the skin gradually throughout the day which minimizes skin irritation. Skin medica Inc 5 Cream Retinol 15 night cream 3 Retinol Anti-wrinkle Retinol 15 Night cream result in the visible diminishment of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin discoloration. Bio-medic, Sothys 6 Cream Neobenz Benzyl peroxide Anti-acne treatment Reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria by causing the skin to dry. Skin media, Inc 7 Moisturizing cream Lactrex 12% (moisturizing cream) 7 Lactic acid and ammonium lactate Moisturizer Moisturize dry, flaky, cracked skin. SDR pharmaceuticals, Inc 8 Lotion impregnated Wipes Ultra-guard 5 Dimethicone Protect babies’ skin Dimethicone that helps to protect babies’ skin from a diaper rash. Scott paper 9 Lotion Oil control lotion Natural antibodies Tightness to promote healing, acne-prone, oily skin condition Absorb oil on the skin surface. Fountain cosmetics 10 Spray Aramis fragrances Antiperspirant spray gives sustained release of fragrance The ultra-light powder absorbs fragrance oil easily. Aramis Inc 11 Gel Salicylic peel 20 and 30 Salicylic acid Excellent exfoliation Excellent exfoliation and stimulation of the skin which improves fine lines, pigmentation and acne concerns. Bio-medic Advantages over other formulations 219