Microspheres possess a wide range of features, making them an ideal drug delivery system. They have been used in pharmaceuticals for decades due to their biocompatibility, high bioavailability, capability to encapsulate various drugs, and sustained drug release characteristics, particularly in cancer therapy and tissue engineering.
Advanced research and development has brought about significant gains in microsphere production, such as precisely controlling key characteristics, including size, shape, drug release and targeting capabilities. This has engendered a culture of innovation in microsphere-based drug delivery systems, which provides greater therapeutic efficacy and improved patient outcomes.
Image Credit: Powder Systems
Advancements in in vitro release-testing methods
To ensure effective microsphere development, it is crucial that in vitro release-testing methods are made readily available. Methods such as sample and separate, dialysis membrane sacs, and USP apparatus IV, have been leveraged for in vitro release-testing.
USP apparatus IV is the most commonly used method. Accelerated in vitro release tests have been developed to reduce testing times for quality control purposes. Moreover, to reduce the reliance on in vivo performance evaluation, in vitro-in vivo correlations have been developed, drawing from real-time and accelerated release data.
Developments in testing and storage stability of microspheres containing large molecules
Microsphere storage stability studies have been carried out to evaluate the impact certain environmental factors have on the quality of microspheres throughout product shelf life. This has led to the development of new tests, such as the floating test and the in vitro wash-off test, along with progress in characterization techniques for other physio-chemical parameters, such as drug content, particle size, and thermal properties.
However, more guidance is needed regarding the area of microsphere release testing. Microsphere storage stability studies should be expanded to incorporate testing microspheres containing large molecules.
Prolonged release and targeting of anticancer drugs to tumors
Microspheres have drawn significant attention in oncology due to their capacity to target anticancer drugs to tumors. Microspheres are generally found to be free-flowing powders made up of synthetic, biodegradable polymers. These spherical microparticles are utilized where reliability and meeting expected particle surface area standards are crucial.
The microsponge drug delivery system (MDS) is a groundbreaking and unique way of delivering drugs in a structured manner; this system makes regulated drug delivery achievable in a quick and straightforward manner.
Breakthroughs in microsponge technology
Microsponge drug delivery systems have changed the game in drug delivery enterprises by allowing a structured approach to regulated drug delivery. MDSs are composed of porous microspheres ranging in size from 5 to 300 microns, with a large porous structure and an extremely small spherical shape.
Although MDSs are mostly used to deliver drugs via topical channels, they are demonstrating potential for drug delivery via oral, ophthalmic, and parenteral routes. By fine-tuning the pharmaceutical release contour and enhancing formulation stability while minimizing the negative impact of the drug, MDSs can vastly improve drug delivery. Moreover, the leading attribute of MDSs is their self-sterilizing capability.
Microsphere developments
The emergence of microspheres in this field have shown that they are promising drug delivery systems due to their unique characteristics such as biocompatibility, high bioavailability, and sustained drug release.
Recent progress made in in vitro release-testing methods, testing and storage stability of microspheres comprised of large molecules, delayed release and targeting of anticancer drugs to tumors, and advances in microsponge technology have contributed to the improvement of the efficiency and efficacy of microspheres.
With ongoing advancements in this field, it is expected that microspheres will take up a key role in novel drug delivery. It is expected that progress will be seen in diagnostics, diseased cell sorting, and gene and genetic materials, as well as safe, targeted and effective in vivo delivery, and supplements as miniature versions of diseased organs and tissues in the body.
Powder Systems Limited strives to be committed to designing and engineering innovative technology solutions to support the development of microspheres, offering fit-for-purpose solutions for its clients and partners.
PSL is proud to lead the way with some of the latest breakthroughs in pharmaceutical microspheres as the company continues to support the development of these cutting-edge drug delivery systems.
About Powder Systems
Powder Systems Limited (PSL) provides a full range of solid liquid separation solutions for filtration, drying, and processing from research and development activities up to larger commercial production scale. Quality and innovation are central to everything they do. They are proud of their award-winning track record and have been working with industry partners for over 35 years. PSL supports clients by developing solutions to overcome challenging manufacturing processes and provide first-class aftercare services.
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