NANO-SPONGES AS VERSATILE NANOCARRIERS FOR DRUG DELIVERY: ADVANCES, APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The emergence of drug delivery systems has been hindered by the complex chemical processes that can lead to toxicities and improper bioavailability of the drug with uncontrolled drug releases. Nanosponges are designed to increase a drug's solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Effective drug encapsulation and controlled release are made possible by the porous structure, which increases therapeutic efficacy while lowering adverse effects. Nanosponges were recently developed as colloidal nanocarriers with cross-linked polymers that have a three-dimensional porous structure. The nanocarriers have the ability to entrap a variety of drug molecules, ranging from hydrophilic drugs to hydrophobic drugs. The size, shape, method of preparation, type of polymer, and type of drug entrapped determine the size or shape of nanocarriers. Nanosponges have been observed for effective drug loading along with controlled and targeted drug release properties. Regarding conventional drug-delivery systems like nano-carriers, Nanosponges improve drug stability, controlled release mechanisms, and therapeutic potential in various fields such as cancer treatment, SARS-CoV-2 infection management, topical drug delivery, solubility improvement, and removal of toxins. Nanosponges have been found to have significantly enhanced pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties and increased shelf life as drug formulations, making them a promising area in advanced drug delivery systems.