MUCOADHESIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Drug actions can be improved by developing new drug delivery systems, such as the mucoadhesive system. The process of mucoadhesion involving a polymeric drug delivery platform is a complex one that, adsorption and interpenetration of polymer chains amongst various other processes. The success and degree of mucoadhesion bonding is influenced by various polymer-based properties such as the degree of cross-linking, chain length and the presence of various functional groupings. These systems remain in close contact with the absorption tissue, the mucous membrane, releasing the drug at the action site leading to a bioavailability increase and both local and systemic effects. Mucoadhesion is currently explained by six theories: electronic, adsorption, wettability, diffusion, fracture and mechanical. So this paper is an overview of chemistry of mucoadhesion, theories involved in it and various polymers used in mucoadhesion.