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Short Communication | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2639-4162/271
Resonant Medicine, Omer, Israel.
*Corresponding Author: Abbaraju Krishna Sailaja, Department of pharmaceutics, RBVRR Women’s college of pharmacy, Osmania University, Hyderabad
Citation: Abbaraju Krishna Sailaja, Nidha Begum, (2025), Microballoons/ Hollow Microspheres: A Novel Approach in Gastro-Retention Floating Drug Delivery System (Fdds), J. General Medicine and Clinical Practice, 8(6); DOI:10.31579/2639-4162/271
Copyright: © 2025, Abbaraju Krishna Sailaja. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, providedx the original author and source are credited.
Received: 25 April 2025 | Accepted: 02 June 2025 | Published: 16 June 2025
Keywords: gastro retentive drug delivery system (grdds); bio-adhesive; mucoadhesive; floating drug delivery system
Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance by prolonging gastric residence time and optimizing drug release kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in GRDDS, focusing on formulation strategies, design principles, and evaluation methodologies. Micro Ballons and their applications in targeted drug delivery was highlighted. Furthermore, recent innovations in materials science and formulation technologies have enabled the development of novel GRDDS with improved biocompatibility, stability, and controlled release profiles. The review also addresses challenges associated with GRDDS, including physiological variability, drug stability, and regulatory considerations, and proposes potential strategies to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, the clinical relevance of GRDDS in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders and their prospects in personalized medicine and targeted therapy are explored. Overall, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the current state-of-the-art in novel approaches in GRDDS research and its implications for the advancement of drug delivery science.
Micro balloons, also known as hollow microspheres, represent a promising approach in gastroprotective drug delivery systems due to their unique ability to remain buoyant in the gastrointestinal tract for prolonged periods. These low-density, spherical particles are typically composed of biodegradable polymers and encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients within a hollow core, facilitating sustained drug release and improved bioavailability. The floating capability of micro balloons enhances the residence time of drugs in the stomach, making them particularly effective for drugs with a narrow absorption window, poor solubility in intestinal fluids, or local action in the gastric region. Various techniques such as solvent evaporation, emulsion diffusion, and spray drying are employed for their preparation, allowing for the optimization of particle size, drug loading efficiency, and release kinetics. This technology holds significant potential for enhancing therapeutic efficacy, minimizing dosing frequency, and improving patient compliance in the treatment of chronic conditions [1-2]
Mechanism Of Floating Micro balloons
The gel formers, polysaccharides, and polymers in micro balloons hydrate when they come into contact with gastric fluid, creating a colloidal gel barrier that regulates the rate at which fluid enters the device and, in turn, the release of drugs. The gel layer is kept intact by hydrating the nearby hydrocolloid layer as the dosage form's outer surface dissolves. The swollen polymer traps air, which reduces density and gives the micro balloons buoyancy. However, in order to properly achieve buoyancy, a minimal amount of stomach content is required. Newer technologies include glacier floating balloons, acrylic resins, eudrilid, polyethylene oxide, cellulose acetate, polystyrene floatable shells, and polycarbonate floating balloons [3,4]
Applications of floating microballoons:
List Of Polymers Used in Hollow Microballoons
Cellulose acetate, Chitosan, Eudragit, Acry coat, Methocil, Polyacrylate, Polyvinyl acetate, Carbopol, Agar, Polyethylene oxide, Polycarbonates, Acrylic resins and Polyethylene oxide, etc. [5-6]
Methods Of Preparation of Microballoons
"Microballoons" (also known as hollow microspheres) are used in drug delivery systems for controlled and sustained release, especially for gastro-retentive systems. These methods typically involve creating hollow, low-density particles that can float in gastric fluids [7].
Here are common methods for preparing microballoons:
Characterization Parameters:
Advantages of microballoons:
Superior to single unit floating dosage form as that microsphere's releases drug uniformly and there is no risk of dose dumping11.
Disadvantages of microballoons:
Novel Techniques for Preparation of Fdds
1.Insitu Gel Systems:
These systems form a gel upon contact with gastric fluids. In situ gelling systems typically used polymers like Carbopol, sodium alginate and Gellan gum that undergo a gelation process in the acidic PH of the stomach. The gel formed provides buoyancy and can release the drug over an extended period [13].
2. Nanotechnology -Based Floating Systems
Nanoparticles and nanocarriers:
Advances in nanotechnology allow for the formulation of ultra small floating nanoparticles or nanocarriers that can achieve both buoyancy and controlled drug release. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and Nano emulsions have been studied as possible candidates for floating systems [14].
Nanoscale floating systems:
The systems can provide a more uniform and controlled release profile due to their enhanced surface area and improved drug solubility.
3.Gastroretentive Hydrogels
Hydrophilic Hydrogels:
These polymers absorb water in the stomach and expand, forming a gel like structure that aids in buoyancy and slows down the drug release. Research is exploring smart hydrogels that respond to PH, temperature or ionic strength, improving the precision of drug delivery.
4.Floating Microspheres:
These are small spherical particles that contaon gas filled cavities and polymeric materials. Upon ingestion, they float on the stomach surface and slowly release the drug.
5.Magnetic Floating Systems:
In this innovative approach, magnetic materials are incorporated into the floating system. A magnetic field is used to control the buoyancy and movement of the system, improving the retention time in the stomach and controlling the release. This is a highly targeted approach and may be useful for localized drug delivery [15].
To determine the ideal dosage form for a given medication, in vivo investigations are necessary due to the complexity of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. Many businesses are concentrating on making this method commercially available. Microballoons, also known as hollow microspheres, represent a promising approach in the development of floating drug delivery systems due to their excellent buoyancy, extended gastric residence time, and controlled drug release characteristics. Their porous structure and low-density profile ensure they remain afloat on gastric fluids, enhancing drug absorption at the desired site and improving bioavailability, especially for drugs with narrow absorption windows or those degraded in the intestine. With advancements in polymer science and formulation techniques, microballoons offer great potential for site-specific delivery, reduced dosing frequency, and improved patient compliance. Continued research and optimization can pave the way for more effective gastroretentive therapies using this innovative platform.
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