Engineering nanomaterials to overcome the mucosal barrier by modulating surface properties

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutics

Background:

• Nanotechnology offers potential for improved mucosal drug delivery.
• Significant barriers, including pH, enzymes, and mucus, limit nanocarrier efficiency.
• The mucus layer presents a substantial challenge to nanocarrier accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of the mucus layer on nanomaterials.
• To introduce strategies for modifying nanocarrier surface properties to overcome mucus barriers.
• To explore advanced methods for enhanced systemic mucosal drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing the influence of mucus on nanomaterials.
• Discussing surface property modulation (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, charge).
• Reviewing advanced modification techniques for mucus and epithelium penetration.

Main Results:

• Mucus significantly hinders nanocarrier access to the epithelium.
• Surface property modifications are crucial for overcoming mucus barriers.
• Advanced strategies can enhance nanocarrier traversal of both mucus and epithelium.

Conclusions:

• Effective mucosal drug delivery requires overcoming mucus and epithelial barriers.
• Tailoring nanocarrier surface properties is essential for successful delivery.
• Further research into advanced modification methods promises improved therapeutic outcomes.