Microspheres as nasal drug delivery systems

All types of microspheres that have been used as nasal drug delivery systems are water-insoluble but absorb water into the sphere's matrix, resulting in swelling of the spheres and the formation of a gel. The building materials in the microspheres have been starch, dextran, albumin and hyaluronic acid, and the bioavailability of several peptides and proteins has been improved in different animal models. Also, some low-molecular weight drugs have been successfully delivered in microsphere preparations. The residence time in the cavity is considerably increased for microspheres compared to solutions. However, this is not the only factor to increase the absorption of large hydrophilic drugs. Microspheres also exert a direct effect on the mucosa, resulting in the opening of tight junctions between the epithelial cells. Starch and dextran microspheres have been administered repeatedly and can be classified as safe dosage forms. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.