Nano sponges: A targeted drug delivery system and its applications

The recent innovative advance in nanotechnology has led to the development of targeted drug delivery system. Targeting a molecule to a particular site with the help of a drug delivery system efficiently requires the use of specialized drug delivery systems. The invention of Nano sponges has become a significant step in overcoming the problems associated with conventional drug delivery systems. These are able to carry both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Nano sponge technology widely provide the controlled and predictable release of the drug to the targeted site. The Nano sponge particles circulate around the body and get attached with the target site and release the drug. A wide variety of drugs can be incorporated in the Nano sponge formulation since it possess a porous structure in nature. Nano sponge technology has been studied widely for the drug delivery by oral administration, topical administration and parenteral administration. Nano sponges can be used to prevent drug and protein degradation. Another important characteristic of Nano sponge is that they can improve the solubility of poorly water soluble drug. In this review advantages, composition, method of preparation, evaluation and application of different formulations of drugs and recent studies on Nano sponge have been discussed.