Microballoons: A novel gastro-retentive drug delivery system

Abstract

In recent years scientific and technological advancements have been made in the research and development of controlled release oral drug delivery systems by overcoming physiological adversities like short gastric residence times and unpredictable gastric emptying times. Floating system are the systems which are retained in the stomach for a longer period of time and thereby improve the bioavailability of drugs. For that the novel approach is microballoons which are gastro-retentive drug delivery systems based on non-effervescent approach. These are characteristically free flowing powders consisting of proteins or synthetic polymers. Microballoons are low-density systems that have sufficient buoyancy to float over gastric contents and remain in stomach for prolonged period. Microballoons to improve patient compliance by decreasing dosing frequency, better therapeutic effect of short half-life drugs can be achieved. Gastroretention would also facilitate local drug delivery to the stomach and proximal small intestine. The purpose of this paper is to review the recent literature and current technology used in the development of gastroretentive dosage forms.