A Comprehensive Review of Microspheres: Fundamentals, Classifications, Preparation Techniques, Evaluation Parameters and Therapeutic Applications in Modern Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Microspheres have become important drug delivery system because they provide controlled and targeted release of drugs. These are tiny particles which are prepared from synthetic or natural polymers and particle size ranging from 1-1000 µm. Various preparation techniques such as single emulsion, double emulsion, solvent evaporation, spray drying, ionic gelation, phase separation, solvent extraction and polymerization are used to design microspheres according to the physiochemical properties of different drugs. Their quality is assessed by several parameters such as particle size, morphology, swelling index, density, ATR-FTIR analysis and in-vitro drug release studies. Microspheres have wide range of applications. This review serves as a valuable resource for pharmaceutical scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals involved in novel drug delivery system development and clinical applications.