Nanosponge: A Novel Carrier for Drug Delivery

Nanosponges are nanosized novel drug delivery systems which are developed by cross linking the polymers with the cross linking agent. The most commonly used polymer is β-cyclodextrin because it is biodegradable and can form nanosponge having crystalline or amorphous porous structure and spherical shape with uniformity. These nanosponges have the ability to encapsulate lipophillic as well as hydrophilic moiety. The release rate of the drug can be modulated by varying the ratio of polymer to cross linking agent. Nanosponges are very minute structures such that they can be used for targeting the drug to the specific site by conjugating the ligands onto their surface. Nanosponges can be employed to enhance the aqueous solubility of poorly water soluble drugs, improve bioavailability, and protect photo sensitive drugs, for sustained release and for site specific drug delivery. Nanosponge technology is also employed in the fields other than pharmacy and medicine like water purification, for pollution free environment, in gas storage and also in agriculture. It is a unique and multifunctional technology, considered to be suitable for the drug delivery.