Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Spray-Dried Microspheres: Recent Advances and Applications in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 05 | Page : 251 268
    By

    Saravanan Muniyandy,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al Mafraq, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Microspheres are spherical particles ranging from 1 to 1000 μm, made from natural or synthetic polymers and inorganic materials. Their structure allows precise drug delivery, improving targeted release and minimizing off-target effects. Natural polymers such as starch, chitosan, and alginate are favored for their biodegradability, adhesion, and compatibility, enhancing mucosal interaction and residence time. Microspheres are widely used in site-specific drug delivery, gene therapy, and vaccine administration, improving immunogenicity, extending drug release, and increasing safety. This review addresses gaps in previous literature, particularly in natural polymer-based delivery and gene therapy applications. It highlights recent advancements and evolving technologies, providing an updated analysis of microspheres in targeted and sustained drug delivery systems. The article focuses on Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)–based spray-dried microspheres, emphasizing spray drying and exploring CMC’s chemical structure, substitution level, and physicochemical properties. Key process variables like atomization, feed rate, drying gases, and their influence on particle morphology and size distribution are discussed. The review also addresses drug-polymer interactions, stabilizers, cross-linkers, and parameters like drug loading, entrapment efficiency, surface charge, swelling, porosity, and in-vitro release kinetics. Analytical techniques such as FTIR and density determination are presented, assessing the stability and pharmaceutical applications of CMC-based microspheres. The review aims to offer a comprehensive, updated analysis of recent advancements, integrating emerging trends and novel therapeutic approaches to bridge previous gaps and respond to evolving clinical needs and technological progress in drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Microspheres, drug delivery, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), spray drying, targeted release gene therapy.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Saravanan Muniyandy. Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Spray-Dried Microspheres: Recent Advances and Applications in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):251-268.
How to cite this URL:
Saravanan Muniyandy. Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Spray-Dried Microspheres: Recent Advances and Applications in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):251-268. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=225250


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Issue 05
Received 17/07/2025
Accepted 08/08/2025
Published 20/08/2025
Publication Time 34 Days
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