Bioadhesion: new possibilities for drug administration?

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Bioadhesion involves macromolecules adhering to mucosal surfaces, enhancing drug absorption or enabling sustained release.
• Synthetic polymers (chitosans, carbopols) and biological agents (plant lectins) mediate bioadhesion through physicochemical and specific interactions.
• Advancements in bioadhesive formulations are being made for various administration routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms and applications of bioadhesion in pharmaceutical formulations.
• To explore the development of bioadhesive systems for enhanced drug delivery.
• To identify challenges and future directions in bioadhesive drug administration.

Main Methods:

• Review of physicochemical interactions of synthetic polymers (chitosans, carbopols) for bioadhesion.
• Analysis of specific interactions of biological bioadhesives (plant lectins) with mucosal surfaces.
• Examination of current and developing bioadhesive formulations for buccal, nasal, vaginal, and gastrointestinal drug delivery.

Main Results:

• Bioadhesive systems for buccal and nasal drug delivery are nearing market availability, utilizing microparticles for nasal applications.
• A bioadhesive vaginal drug delivery formulation is currently in use.
• Micro- and nanoparticles coated with bioadhesive polymers show potential for gastrointestinal drug delivery, despite challenges.

Conclusions:

• Bioadhesion offers significant potential for improving drug absorption and extending drug release at mucosal sites.
• While buccal, nasal, and vaginal applications are advancing, gastrointestinal drug delivery faces challenges due to mucus turnover and transit times.
• Further research and development are crucial for realizing the full potential of advanced bioadhesive micro- and nanoparticles, especially for challenging routes like the GI tract.