Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid used for treating inflammatory dermatoses. However, conventional formulations often require repeated application owing to rapid drug release and limited residence times. This study aimed to develop and optimize desonide-loaded microsponges for sustained drug release for topical delivery. Microsponges were prepared using the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique, employing Eudragit RS 100 as the polymer and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the stabilizer. Formulation variables, such as the drug: polymer ratio, internal phase volume, PVA concentration, stirring speed, and stirring time, were optimized. The microsponges were evaluated for production yield, drug content, loading efficiency, particle size, surface morphology (SEM), and in vitro drug release. The optimized microsponge batch exhibited a high production yield (93.7 ± 1.26%), drug content (95.7 ± 1.26%), and loading efficiency (96.6 ± 1.34%). SEM confirmed the spherical porous particles. The optimized microsponges exhibited sustained drug release for up to 8 h, with a cumulative release of 87.67 ± 2.64%. Desonide-loaded microsponges were successfully optimized with desirable physicochemical properties and sustained-release behavior, suggesting their suitability as controlled-release carriers for topical anti-inflammatory therapy.
Keywords: Desonide, Microsponges, Eudragit RS100, Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion, Controlled release, Topical delivery.
How to cite this article: Sodha A, Patani M, Nangha B, Upadhyay S, Solanki A, Maske P, Shah N, Optimization And Characterization Of Desonide-Loaded Eudragit Rs100 Microsponges Prepared By Quasi-Emulsion Solvent Diffusion For Sustained Topical Drug Delivery. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2s): 391-396; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.391-396