A REVIEW ON MICROBALLOONS

S. Supriya, Dr. M. Swetha*

Microballoons also known as hollow sphere drug delivery systems. These are typically spherical in size from 200 microns and do not have a core. They have a gastric retention drug delivery system (GRDDS), which can improve drug bioavailability and reduce stomach irritation. These floating microballoons have the convenience that they stay buoyant and circulate uniformly over the gastric ingredients to withhold the variations of gastric emptying and release the drug for extended period of time. It’s floating containing synthetic polymers that improves the processing of solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules and powders. Due to the presence of hollow space inside the microballoons, these improve gastric drug therapy and gastric mucosal concentration which helps reduce drug residence time in the stomach. It is less soluble at higher pH. The formulation of these Microballoons depends on temperature, preparation and surface smoothness to increase the buoyancy of a good propellant as it uses a multiple unit system. It helps to treat peptic ulcers, chronic stomach problems and Rheumatoid arthritis.