A Review: Polymeric In-situ Gel System

Smart polymeric systems represent promising means of delivering the drugs; these polymers undergo sol-gel transition, once administered. In-situ gel structure occurs due to one or combination of different stimuli like pH change, temperature modulation and ionic exchange. The formation of gels depends on factors like temperature modulation, pH change, presence of ions and ultra violet irradiation, from which the drug gets released in a sustained and controlled manner. Mainly In-situ gels are administered by oral, ocular, rectal, vaginal, injectable and intraperitoneal routes. The In-situ gel forming polymeric formulations offer several advantages like sustained and prolonged action in comparison to conventional drug delivery systems. The article presents a detailed review of these types of polymeric systems, their evaluation, advancements and their commercial formulations. From a manufacturing point of view, the production of such devices is less complex and thus lowers the investment and manufacturing cost.