Microballoons: A Gastro Retentive Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Oral route is most preferable and widely used route for the administration of drug. Microballoons becomes novel technology in pharmaceutical field in the floating drug delivery for achieving the gastric retention. Microballoons are also called as hollowspheres which are porous smooth in nature and thus show good floating properties in gastric fluid. Microballoons release the drug in controlled manner at the targeted site. Microballoons are spherical empty vesicles without core and that can remain buoyant in gastric region for prolong period of time without irritation in gastrointestinal tract. Multiparticulate particles having a low density system that can efficiently prolong the gastric retention time of the drugs, thus enhanced bioavailability and thus improve the dosing frequency. These are less soluble at higher pH environment. As microballoons delivery systems provide longer retention in gastric pH and enhance the solubility of drugs that are less soluble in high pH environment. The formation of cavity inside the microballoons depend on the preparation, temperature and the surface smoothness determine the floatability and the release rate of microballoons.
 Keywords: Microballoons, Gastro retentive drug delivery system, Hollowspheres, Controlled release

A Study on Nutraceuticals

“…Certain spices such as turmeric, red pepper, black pepper, cloves, ginger, garlic, coriander, rosemary, saffron, and cinnamon have been found to possess anti-neurodegenerative properties. [16] Some common plants that are used as nutraceuticals are - [41,42] The following nutraceuticals are now available in the market:…”

“…The largest market is the United States, "followed by India and China." [41] Regulatory Aspects of Nutraceuticals-Food regulations seek to protect consumer health, improve economic resilience, protect health, and promote ethical trade, and commercial food products are subject to strict regulatory standards to ensure good health outcomes. [59] Herbal remedies and nutritional supplements are increasingly being used around the world, some as medicine and some as supplements for general wellbeing.…”

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“…This has triggered the attention towards developing various gastro retentive drug delivery technologies to deliver drugs having 'narrow absorption window' with improved bioavailability 9 . Polymers such as polylactic acid, Eudragit S and, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate are used in the formulation of hollow microspheres the release of the drug can be modulated by optimizing polymer concentration and the polymer-plasticizer ratio 10,15 .…”

Formulation and evaluation of dabigatran loaded microballoons for prolonged drug release

“…These systems are particularly beneficial in improving the bioavailability of drugs that possess low solubility in the high pH environment (like intestine). 2,3 Microballoons are the gastro retentive drug delivery system and it is based on the non-effervescent approach usually possessing spherical shape and lack a core with a particle size of less than 200 micrometer. 4 Dabigatran etexilate is an anticoagulant used for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events or stroke in patients with recent elective hip or knee replacement surgery and atrial fibrillation.…”