In situ forming polymeric formulations are drug delivery systems that are in sol form before administration in the body, but once administered, undergo gelation in situ, to form a gel. The formation of gels depends on factors like temperature modulation, pH change, presence of ions and ultra violet irradiation, from which the drug gets released in a sustained and controlled manner. Various polymers that are used for the formulation of in situ gels include gellan gum, alginic acid, xyloglucan, pectin, chitosan, poly(DL-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly-caprolactone. The choice of solvents like water, dimethylsulphoxide, N-methyl pyrrolidone, triacetin and 2-pyrrolidone for these formulations depends on the solubility of polymer used. Mainly in situ gels are administered by oral, ocular, rectal, vaginal, injectable and intraperitoneal routes. The in situ gel forming polymeric formulations offer several advantages like sustained and prolonged action in comparison to conventional drug delivery systems. The article presents a detailed review of these types of polymeric systems, their evaluation, advancements and their commercial formulations. From a manufacturing point of view, the production of such devices is less complex and thus lowers the investment and manufacturing cost.

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The aim of the current investigation is to evaluate the transdermal potential of novel vesicular carrier, ethosomes, bearing aceclofenac, Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) agents having limited transdermal permeation. Aceclofenac loaded ethosomal carriers were prepared, optimized and characterized for vesicular shape and surface morphology,(SEM) scanning electronic microscopy, vesicular size, entrapment efficiency, stability, invitro release study. The formulation (Etho5) having 3% phospholipids contant and 40% ethanol showing the grater entrapment (93.3%) and optimal average vesicle size of formulation (Etho5) determine by Malvern Zetamaster ZEM & 0.696µm and zeta potential of formulation was -6.74 mV. The formulation (Etho12) having 3% phospholipids contant and 40% isopropyl alcohol showing the grater entrapment (95.7%). stability profile of prepared system assessed for 45 days. The vesicular suspension was kept in sealed vials (10ml) at 4 ± 2ºC and at room temperature for 45 days no change is shown in the entrapment efficiency. The optimized ethosomal formulation showed transdermal flux (226.1 µg/cm²/hr) for ethanolic drug solution which is grater then that of isopropyl alcohol solution (159.0 µg/cm²/hr). The result advocates the potential of ethosome formulation to treat rheumatic disease where facilitated penetration of the drug into muscle and synovial fluid is desirable. In light of the data obtained from experimental work we can expect the ethosome formulation to be safe and very efficient as a drug carrier for systemic as well as topical delivery of drug, holding future in effective transdermal delivery.

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