Molecular aspects of mucoadhesive carrier development for drug delivery and improved absorption

Although the oral route remains the most favored route of drug administration, major scientific obstacles prevent the effective and efficient delivery of low-molecular-mass drugs, peptides and proteins that exhibit poor solubility and permeability. Mucoadhesive dosage forms and the associated drug carriers have the ability to interact at a molecular level with the mucus gel layer that lines the epithelial surfaces of the major absorptive regions of the body. This interaction provides an increased residence time of the therapeutic formulation while localizing the drug at the site of administration. Such local, non-specific targeting leads to an increase in both oral absorption and bioavailability. Fundamental understanding of the biological processes encountered along the gastrointestinal tract can provide a sufficient engineer of carriers that are capable to provide this increase in residence time. Here we discuss the theoretical framework for achieving mucoadhesive systems as related to biomaterials science and the structure of the biomaterials used.