Role of polymers in enhancing the performance of floating drug delivery systems

• Author Details:   
• Digvijaysinh Ramesh Kale ^*
• Kiran Kashinath Shinde
• Darshan V. Shah

---

The Floating Drug Delivery System (FDDS) is a specialized dosage form designed to remain buoyant in the gastric environment, thereby enhancing drug absorption and bioavailability, particularly for drugs with a narrow therapeutic window or poor solubility. Polymers play a central role in enhancing the performance of FDDS by facilitating buoyancy, controlling the release rate, and ensuring stability. This review explores the types of polymers used in FDDS, including natural, synthetic, and copolymers, and examines their role in improving buoyancy and drug release profiles. Mechanisms such as gas generation, swelling, and density reduction are explained, with attention to how they are influenced by polymer selection. Additionally, the paper addresses polymer-drug compatibility, formulation strategies, and factors that affect the performance of FDDS, such as gastric pH and motility. Recent advancements in polymer technology, such as the use of biodegradable and biocompatible materials, are also discussed. Despite their potential, FDDS face challenges like formulation stability, patient variability, and the complexity of manufacturing. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for continued research and innovation in polymer-based FDDS to optimize therapeutic outcomes and address current limitations.

Keywords: Floating drug delivery system, Polymers, Gastro retentive, Drug bioavailability, Controlled release, Formulation strategies.