Natural Polymers in Microsponge Preparation: An Excipients Review
natural polymers as an excipient in preparation of microsponges
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A review
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: medicinal plants and its impact on diabetes
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Farog Tayyab, Sapna Smith Lal, Meenakshi Mishra and Umesh Kumar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A review
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
In recent years, advancements in drug delivery systems have fostered significant interest in natural polymers, particularly in their use as excipients in the formulation of microsponge-based drug delivery systems. Microsponges are microporous polymeric particles designed for effective and prolonged delivery of therapeutically active substances, minimizing side effects and enhancing stability. Given the growing preference for natural materials over synthetic ones due to their safety and biocompatibility, this review focuses on plant-derived gums and mucilages as potential excipients in the preparation of microsponges, discussing their sources, extraction processes, and pharmaceutical applications.
The Role of Gums and Mucilages in Microsponge Preparation
Gums and mucilages serve a vital function in the pharmaceutical industry as natural polysaccharides that can solve formulation challenges while minimizing adverse effects typically associated with synthetic polymers. Composed primarily of polysaccharides, they possess properties that allow them to form hydrophilic gels, making them suitable for use in various drug delivery applications such as controlled release systems, film coatings, and more. Their unique biopolymer characteristics encourage investigation into their application as excipients in microsponge formulations, thereby enhancing drug stability and release profiles.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Excipients
Utilizing natural gums and mucilages comes with several key advantages, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, alongside lower costs and local availability. These materials are often preferred in developing countries due to their compatibility with human physiology and reduced incidence of allergic reactions. However, they do present some challenges, such as the risk of microbial contamination, variability in batch quality, and uncontrolled hydration rates, which can affect the stability and efficacy of the formulations. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective pharmaceutical applications.
Applications in Various Industries
Gums and mucilages are not only valuable in pharmaceutical formulations but also possess diverse applications across various industries, including food and cosmetic sectors. In pharmaceuticals, they provide functionalities like binding, thickening, delimiting, and stabilizing agents in numerous dosage forms. The food industry regularly employs these natural polymers as stabilizers and thickening agents in products like ice cream, dairy items, and sauces. Their versatility in industrial applications highlights the potential for further exploration of these natural materials in innovative drug delivery systems.
Conclusion
The exploration of natural gums and mucilages as excipients in microsponge formulations indicates a promising future for the adoption of biodegradable and biocompatible materials in pharmaceutical science. Their unique properties enable the formulation of effective drug delivery systems, offering advantages over synthetic alternatives. While challenges such as contamination and variability exist, ongoing research is essential to mitigate these issues and enhance the application of these natural excipients. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, the integration of novel natural materials into drug delivery systems will likely grow, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers alike.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are microsponges and their primary use in pharmaceuticals?
Microsponges are porous polymeric microspheres designed for prolonged drug delivery, primarily for topical administration. They enhance stability, reduce side effects, and modify drug release profiles, making them efficient carriers of active ingredients.
What natural materials are commonly used as excipients in microsponges?
Natural gums and mucilages derived from plants serve as excipients in microsponges. These materials are non-toxic, biodegradable, and offer advantages in drug delivery systems, such as improving drug stability and release profiles.
What are the advantages of using natural gums in pharmaceuticals?
Natural gums are biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, and cost-effective. They have fewer side effects than synthetic polymers and are suitable for patient consumption, providing safer alternatives in pharmaceutical formulations.
What are the disadvantages of using natural gums in formulations?
Natural gums may face microbial contamination, batch variability, uncontrolled hydration rate, and reduced viscosity over time. These limitations can affect their stability and efficacy as excipients in drug delivery systems.
How are microsponges prepared using liquid-liquid suspension polymerization?
Microsponges are formed through suspension polymerization where monomers and active ingredients are dissolved in a suitable solvent and dispersed in an aqueous phase. The polymerization initiates, resulting in porous microspheres used for drug delivery.
What are the applications of gums and mucilages in the food industry?
Gums and mucilages are used in the food industry for stabilization, thickening, and water retention. They are also significant in products like ice cream, meat, sauces, and confectionery for their functional properties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Natural Polymers in Microsponge Preparation: An Excipients Review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drugs are chemical compounds utilized for treating, preventing, or diagnosing diseases. The review discusses their encapsulation in microsponge systems for enhanced delivery. The advancement in drug formulation technologies emphasizes the need for effective drug delivery systems that optimize therapeutic efficacy through controlled release mechanisms.
2) Water:
Water serves as a vital solvent in pharmaceutical preparations, including microsponges, where it aids the dissolution of gums and mucilages. It is essential for creating viscous solutions or gels that can encapsulate active ingredients, which aids in efficient drug delivery and affects the controlled release of therapeutics.
3) Tamarind:
Tamarind, specifically *Tamarindus indica*, is a notable source of naturally occurring polysaccharide gum used in pharmaceutical applications. Tamarind gum is employed for its thickening and gelling properties, making it useful in sustained-release drug formulations. Its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature enhance its utility in drugs and food products.
4) Substance:
Substances encompass a wide array of materials, including drugs and excipients. In the context of microsponge preparations, understanding the interactions between various substances is key to developing effective drug delivery systems. Careful selection contributes to achieving the desired release profiles and therapeutic effects.
5) Sahu:
Sahu likely refers to one of the authors who contributed to the scientific literature surrounding the applications of natural polysaccharides in pharmacology. This highlights collaborative efforts in research to better understand and utilize natural excipients like gums in drug delivery systems, improving formulation strategies in pharmaceuticals.
6) Food:
Food applications of natural gums and mucilages include their use as stabilizers and thickeners in various products. Their functional properties not only benefit food industries but also enhance drug formulations, reflecting the versatility of these materials in both culinary and pharmaceutical domains, ensuring safety and efficacy for consumers.
7) Tree:
Tree references natural sources of gums like those from the gum arabic or locust bean gum derived from specific trees. These plant-derived materials play a crucial role in pharmaceutical excipients. The tree sources contribute to sustainable and biodegradable options for drug formulation compared to synthetic alternatives.
8) Biodegradable:
Biodegradable materials break down naturally in the environment, making them ideal for pharmaceutical applications. Natural gums and mucilages are biodegradable, aligning with modern pharmaceutical trends that favor eco-friendly materials. Their use as excipients minimizes environmental impact, contrasting sharply with less sustainable synthetic polymers.
9) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the scientific discipline focused on the effects of drugs on biological systems. Understanding pharmacology is critical for developing effective drug formulations using natural excipients like gums. This field informs the selection and optimization of drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic outcomes while ensuring patient safety.
10) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm to an organism. The review emphasizes selecting natural excipients with low toxicity profiles, such as plant-derived gums, over synthetic alternatives. Understanding toxicity is vital for patient safety and regulatory compliance in drug formulations.
11) Science (Scientific):
Scientific emphasizes the systematic approach to investigating the properties and applications of natural materials in drug delivery. This highlights the importance of evidence-based practices in developing effective pharmaceutical formulations, promoting advancements that merge traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies.
12) Powder:
Powder describes the physical form that many natural and synthetic excipients, including gums, can take. In pharmaceutical formulations, powdered forms facilitate easier mixing and processing in drug delivery systems. For natural gums, specific processing techniques determine their effectiveness in applications such as microsponges.
13) Wall:
Walls reiterate the structural significance in the context of plant materials. The composition and properties of plant cell walls affect the functional capabilities of gums and mucilages as excipients. Studying these factors directs the development of formulations that optimize therapeutic effectiveness in drug delivery.
14) Pur:
Poor is typically used to describe unfavorable characteristics in substances, such as poor bioavailability or stability. Addressing the challenges of using poor-performing excipients drives research towards more effective alternatives, highlighting the need for improved materials like natural gums that can enhance drug delivery systems.
15) Medicine:
Medicine, as the science and practice of diagnosis and treatment, heavily relies on effective drug formulations. The review focuses on the role of natural gums as excipients in medicine, emphasizing their benefits in enhancing drug delivery, patient compliance, and reducing side effects through innovative formulations.
16) Surface:
Surface refers to the outer area of microsponge systems, which plays a critical role in drug release dynamics. The porous surface structure of microsponges allows for controlled drug release, making the study of surface properties essential in designing effective drug delivery formulations.
17) Sakshi (Saksi):
Sakshi refers to one of the authors of the reviewed study, indicating a contribution to the body of knowledge on natural polysaccharides in pharmaceuticals. Authorial work emphasizes the collaborative nature of research, driving advancements in formulation techniques using natural substances for drug delivery.
18) Family:
Family here may refer to the classification of plants, such as those whose gums and mucilages are utilized in pharmaceuticals. Understanding plant families helps in sourcing natural excipients effectively and aids in recognizing the beneficial properties of materials derived from specific plant families in drug formulations.
19) Animal:
Animals relate to sources of certain excipients like chitosan and are also subjects in toxicity studies. Recognizing the regulatory and safety standards required in pharmaceutical formulations involving animal-derived materials is essential for ensuring efficacy and minimizing adverse effects in the development of drug delivery systems.
20) Nagapura (Naga-pura):
Nagpur is a city in India, mentioned as the affiliation location of one of the authors. The significance lies in promoting regional contributions to pharmaceutical research, highlighting local institutions' role in advancing the study of natural excipients in drug formulation and delivery systems.
21) Honey:
Honey relates to a natural substance that may contain polysaccharides. While not the focus of the study, such substances can have relevance when considering the cultural and local sources of natural materials that could potentially be explored for various pharmaceutical applications alongside traditional gums.
22) Sah:
Shah is cited as an author involved in pharmacognosy, indicating contributions to the understanding of medicinally relevant plant materials. Recognition of scholarly work in natural product research informs formulators about the potential applications of various natural gums and polymers in pharmaceutical products.
23) Meat:
Meat relates to the food industry application of natural gums as binding agents and stabilizers primarily in processed foods. Its inclusion in discussions about gums emphasizes their versatility in both food and pharmaceutical fields, demonstrating a broader applicability of these materials.
24) Road:
Road may indicate the location or context in which the research or application of these excipients occurs, reflecting the geographical connection. The mission of advancing pharmaceutical sciences is often linked to the infrastructures and collaborations that exist within specific regions, such as Nagpur.
25) Tamarindus indica:
*Tamarindus indica* is the scientific name for the tamarind tree, a significant source of natural gum used in pharmaceutical applications. Its characteristics and extract properties are vital for developing effective and safe drug formulations, highlighting the relevance of traditional plant sources for modern medication strategies.
26) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drug effects and mechanisms. Research into the pharmacological properties of natural excipients like gums aids in understanding their role in drug delivery. Pharmacological assessment of these materials is crucial for developing effective formulations within scientific and clinical settings.
27) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to compounds derived from plants, many of which could be utilized in drug formulation. Understanding phytochemicals' roles in enhancing efficacy and stability opens opportunities for integrating natural products into pharmaceutical applications. Recognition of their benefits influences research strategies within pharmacology.
28) Performance:
Performance of a drug or excipient refers to its effectiveness in delivering therapeutic effects. Evaluating the performance of natural gums in microsponge formulations informs scientists about their suitability for various applications. Research is focused on optimizing performance metrics, enhancing drug release profiles and patient compliance.
29) Developing:
Developing emphasizes the continuous progress in pharmaceutical technology and the exploration of natural substances. The focus on developing advanced formulations using natural gums and excipients highlights the evolution of drug delivery systems towards safer, more effective, and patient-friendly options in pharmaceuticals.
30) Srivastava (Sri-vastava, Shrivastava, Shri-vastava):
Srivastava is an author acknowledged for contributions to research in pharmaceutical excipients derived from natural sources. The author’s work underscores the collaboration and collective knowledge-building within the field, promoting sustainable practices and innovative techniques in drug formulation using plant materials.
31) Irritation:
Irritation describes the adverse responses that can occur due to certain drugs or excipients. Minimizing irritation is crucial in drug formulation, and selecting natural polymers that are generally non-irritating enhances the safety profile of products, leading to better patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
32) Shrotriya (Srotriya):
Shrotriya is cited as a contributing author, indicating involvement in advancing research focused on natural excipients in pharmaceuticals. The collaborative nature of contributions from various scientists enhances the collective expertise that drives innovation and exploration of sustainable materials in drug delivery advancements.
33) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna is mentioned as an author of the review, contributing to the collective body of knowledge regarding natural plant materials used in drug formulations. This indicates the importance of collaborative research efforts in fostering advancements in pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in utilizing sustainable solutions.
34) Kanchan:
Kanchan is an identified author contributing to the research on natural excipients in pharmaceuticals. Their involvement reflects collaborative efforts in academia to explore innovative uses of plant-derived materials, ensuring that findings are disseminated to enhance understanding and application in drug delivery systems.
35) Pradhan:
Pradhan is cited as an author in the review-focused research on the role of natural polymers in drug delivery systems. The collaborative nature of contributions emphasizes the interdisciplinary approach necessary for understanding and optimizing the use of natural excipients in pharmaceutical formulations.
36) Bombay:
Bombay, historically known as Mumbai, reflects the geographical context and academic contributions from Indian institutions to pharmacological research. The mention points to the regional focus on improving drug development practices and embracing local natural resources for innovative pharmaceutical applications.
37) Bitter:
Bitter may describe the taste characteristics of certain plant-derived substances, including extracts from *Aloe vera* or other natural materials. Understanding sensory properties plays a role in formulation considerations, especially for oral delivery systems, dictating the suitability and appeal of drug products to consumers.
38) Nature:
Nature signifies the emphasis on using naturally derived materials, specifically plant gums and mucilages, in drug formulations. This perspective aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability in pharmaceuticals, promoting the use of biodegradable and biocompatible substances over synthetic alternatives, with a focus on environmental impact.
39) Indian:
Indian pertains to the cultural and geographic significance of the research, acknowledging the rich biodiversity and availability of natural resources for pharmaceutical applications. This reflects the global interest in harnessing traditional knowledge and materials from India in developing innovative drug delivery systems and formulations.
40) Pandita (Pandit):
Pandit refers to an author noted for contributions to pharmacology and natural product research. This highlights the importance of academic collaboration to enrich pharmaceutical studies and the exploration of plant-based materials in enhancing the efficacy and safety of drug formulations.
41) Field:
Field denotes the broad domain of research within pharmaceutical sciences focusing on natural polymers. The exploration of natural excipients in drug delivery systems emphasizes the integration of traditional practices with modern scientific inquiry to innovate therapeutic solutions that are safe and effective.
42) Saha (Shaha):
Shaha is another contributing author indicating participatory research in developing innovative pharmaceutical solutions. Their inclusion emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in exploring natural materials, enhancing the understanding of plant-based excipients, and implementing findings in drug delivery systems.
43) India:
India is the geographic context of the research, underscoring the local biodiversity that informs the use of natural materials in modern pharmacological applications. The exploration of indigenous sources enriches pharmaceutical practices by incorporating traditional knowledge into contemporary drug design.
44) Kumar:
Kumar is identified as a researcher contributing to the literature on natural excipients. Their involvement represents collaborative academic efforts aimed at furthering the understanding of biopolymers and their practical implications for drug delivery systems in pharmaceutical applications.
45) Patel:
Patel, as an author, reflects the collaborative aspect of the research publication. Contributors like Patel help expand knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, particularly about employing natural materials to enhance drug formulation and delivery mechanisms, accounting for patient safety and sustainability.
46) Kadam:
Kadam refers to an author involved in research on natural polymers in drug delivery. Their contribution showcases the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and emphasizes the dynamic research landscape focused on developing effective and eco-friendly pharmaceutical solutions.
47) Sugar:
Sugar may refer to natural polysaccharides that serve critical roles in maintaining the structural integrity of gels and emulsions in drug formulations. Understanding the functional properties of sugars is essential for developing effective excipients that enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy in pharmaceuticals.
48) Study (Studying):
Study refers to research conducted to understand the properties and applications of natural gums and mucilages in pharmaceuticals. Investigating these materials helps identify effective formulations that facilitate controlled drug release and improve bioavailability, fulfilling the need for innovative approaches in drug delivery systems.
49) Male:
Male signifies the subjects in biological studies, which can relate to testing the efficacy and safety of drug formulations. Understanding how treatments affect different biological characteristics helps ensure that drug delivery systems are designed to be effective for diverse populations and patient demographics.