A microtensiometer for the analysis of bioadhesive microspheres

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmaceutics

Background:

• Bioadhesive polymer microspheres offer potential for targeted drug delivery to mucosal tissues.
• Effective bioadhesive systems can improve drug absorption, bioavailability, and patient compliance through reduced dosing frequency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel instrument for quantifying bioadhesive forces between polymer microspheres and mucosal tissues.
• To identify suitable bioadhesive materials for oral, controlled-release drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• A microbalance-based instrument, functioning as a microtensiometer, was developed with a sensitivity of 0.1 microN.
• A contact angle analyzer with a custom physiologic tissue chamber was integrated with computer software for automated tensile experiments.
• The instrument precisely measures parameters including compressive deformation, peak tensile load, fracture strength, and tensile work.

Main Results:

• The developed instrument successfully quantified bioadhesive forces and related parameters.
• Several bioadhesive materials were identified as suitable for orally-delivered, controlled-release systems.
• In vivo GI-transit studies in rats demonstrated a strong correlation between bioadhesion and increased gastrointestinal residence time.

Conclusions:

• The novel microbalance instrument is effective for analyzing bioadhesive interactions crucial for developing advanced drug delivery systems.
• The identified bioadhesive materials show promise for enhancing the efficacy of oral controlled-release formulations.
• This technology facilitates the development of next-generation adhesive drug delivery systems with improved therapeutic outcomes.