Mucoadhesive polymeric platforms for controlled drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Mucoadhesion is a complex process involving polymer wetting, adsorption, and chain interpenetration.
• Polymer properties like cross-linking, chain length, and functional groups significantly influence mucoadhesion strength.
• Mucosal drug delivery is attractive for localized or systemic effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the engineering of polymeric systems for mucosal-targeted controlled drug delivery.
• To review the factors influencing mucoadhesion and the evolution of mucoadhesive formulations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a range of in vitro and in vivo mucoadhesion testing setups.
• Engineering polymeric systems with specific properties to enhance mucoadhesion.

Main Results:

• Mucoadhesive systems are widely used for API delivery across various mucosal surfaces.
• Formulation scientists have developed advanced mucoadhesive systems beyond simple charged polymers.

Conclusions:

• Mucoadhesive systems are crucial for effective mucosal drug delivery.
• The evolution from first-generation to second-generation mucoadhesive systems (e.g., lectin, thiol-based) offers enhanced targeting and efficacy.