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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Method for Determination and Simulation of Permeability and Diffusion in a 3D Tissue Model in a Membrane Insert System for Multi-well Plates

A Method for Determination and Simulation of Permeability and Diffusion in a 3D Tissue Model in a Membrane Insert System for Multi-well Plates

Published on: February 23, 2018

Mathematical modeling of molecular diffusion through mucus.

Yen Cu¹, W Mark Saltzman

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

|January 13, 2009

Summary

Understanding molecular transport through mucus is key for drug delivery efficacy. This review covers mathematical models and measurement techniques for diffusion in mucus across various administration routes.

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Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Method for Determination and Simulation of Permeability and Diffusion in a 3D Tissue Model in a Membrane Insert System for Multi-well Plates

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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

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The Diffusion of Passive Tracers in Laminar Shear Flow

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Published on: May 1, 2018

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Pharmaceutics
Physical Chemistry

Background:

Mucus barrier properties significantly impact drug efficacy via oral, intranasal, intravaginal/rectal, and intraocular routes.
Mathematical modeling offers a framework to understand molecular transport through mucus based on physical chemistry principles.

Purpose of the Study:

To review mathematical models describing molecular diffusion within mucus.
To survey common techniques for measuring solute diffusion in mucus and related materials.

Main Methods:

Literature review of mathematical diffusion models.
Compilation of experimental techniques for measuring diffusion coefficients in mucus, mucus mimics, and mucosal epithelia.

Main Results:

Various mathematical models exist to describe molecular diffusion in mucus.
A range of experimental methods are available for quantifying diffusion in complex biological matrices.

Conclusions:

Accurate modeling and measurement of molecular transport are crucial for optimizing drug delivery across mucosal surfaces.
This review synthesizes current knowledge on diffusion modeling and measurement techniques in mucus.