Hydrogel Microparticles as an Emerging Tool in Pharmaceutical Field: A Review. Issue 2 (24th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmad, Mahmood; Rai, Sarfraz Muhammad; Mahmood, Asif
• Is Part Of: Advances in polymer technology. Volume 35:Issue 2(2016:Summer)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2015-04-24
• Subjects: Emulsion polymerization -- Hydrogels -- Microparticles -- Swelling -- Polymer; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/adv.21535
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0730-6679

Abstract

ABSTRACT: From past few decades, emphasis of scientists is on the development of micro‐ and nanosized dosage forms to achieve the targeted and desired response from drugs. In this manner, they have developed microspheres, nanoparticles, niosomes, liposomes, etc. Now in recent past, work is going on the development of novel hydrogel microparticles that have more desirable response than conventional hydrogels. These newly developed hydrogel microparticles have a number of advantages over the conventional hydrogels as well as over other micro‐ or nanotechnologies. These are used to achieve either sustained or prolonged action as well as rapid release of drugs by complexation with hydrophilic polymers to enhance their solubility and ultimately bioavailability of poorly water‐soluble drugs. Various techniques are used to prepare hydrogel microparticles such as the ionic gelation method, spray drying, dispersion, photopolymerization ionotropic gelation method, free radical precipitation polymerization, inverse emulsion polymerization, free radical polymerization, etc. Certain polymers along with various types of initiators, cross‐linkers, and monomers are used in different concentrations depending upon the purpose of hydrogel microparticles. In recent review, we have focused upon the loading and drug release patterns from hydrogel microparticles, various technologies, and components applied in their preparations and applications in the pharmaceutical field. Hydrogel microparticles can be aimed for various purposes such as solubility enhancement of hydrophobic drugs, and targeted drug delivery, magnetic carriers; therefore, these are useful assets of pharmaceutical market.