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Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions
Published on: October 10, 2016
Mucoadhesive behaviour of emulsions containing polymeric emulsifier
Mária Szucs1, Giuseppina Sandri, M Cristina Bonferoni
1University of Szeged, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eötvös u. 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
Summary
This study explores mucoadhesive dosage forms using Pemulen TR polymers to enhance drug residence time. Emulsions with specific polymer structures demonstrated stronger mucoadhesion compared to those with simple networks.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutics
Background:
- Mucoadhesive dosage forms are crucial for prolonging drug residence time at specific body sites.
- Controlled drug release is a key desirable characteristic alongside bioadhesion.
- Pemulen TR polymers (cross-linked block copolymers) stabilize oil-in-water emulsions via their distinct hydrophilic and lipophilic components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the microstructure of Pemulen TR-stabilized emulsions and their mucoadhesive properties.
- To analyze how variations in emulsion composition affect bioadhesive behavior.
- To correlate emulsion structure with mucoadhesive performance.
Main Methods:
- Rheological and thermogravimetric analysis to characterize emulsion microstructure.
- Tensile testing to quantify mucoadhesive force and work.
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy to visualize polymer-emulsion-mucin interactions.
Main Results:
- Emulsion microstructure is highly dependent on formulation components, forming unique structures.
- Increasing oil content did not significantly alter bioadhesive force or work.
- Emulsions featuring specialized polymer-formed structures exhibited superior mucoadhesion compared to those with simple polymer networks.
Conclusions:
- Pemulen TR polymers can form unique emulsion structures that influence mucoadhesion.
- Formulation design impacting polymer structure is critical for optimizing mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.
- Tailoring emulsion microstructure offers a promising strategy for developing effective mucoadhesive dosage forms.
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