Microsponge: An emerging drug delivery strategy.

Microsponges are the spherical particles ranging from 5 to 300 µm in size. These are further made up of clusters of smaller spheres. They are designed for delivering the drug efficiently at a comparatively lesser dose and enhancing the stability, modifying the drug release profile and minimizing the side effects. Microsponge drug delivery system decrease transdermal invasion of the active ingredient into the skin while increasing the time the drug remains on the skin surface or within the epidermis. Preparation of the microsponges includes two techniques: Liquid-liquid suspension polymerization and Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. Their characterization and evaluation can be done in many ways like particle-size measurement and porosity, morphology, true density determination, analyzing the rheological properties, and dissolution studies. Present work focuses on the detailed study of the microsponge drug delivery system. This will help the reader to get all the information regarding the microsponge delivery systems.

MicroRNAs as biological regulators in skin disorders.

microRNAs are being investigated as promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers for different disease conditions. miRNAs serve as essential regulators of cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. The involvement of miRNAs in the functioning and regulation of the skin cells and skin diseases is a rapidly advancing area in dermatological research. miRNAs have been identified to play a key role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of the skin diseases. Skin is one of the largest organs of the body, primarily functioning as the first line of defence against external insults including bacteria, virus and other pathogens. Various miRNAs have been identified to demonstrate significant effects in various skin inflammatory conditions such as wounds, cancer, psoriasis, scleroderma, dermatomyositis. The current review explores the possible roles of the miRNAs in skin disorders and reports relating to the clinical trials involving skin diseases and miRNAs. The review has also compiled the information of the databases available, which correlates the miRNAs with different diseases and give details about targeting interactions of miRNA.