Intestinal mucus barrier (None established)

The intestinal mucus barrier is a viscoelastic gel formed mainly by secreted gel-forming mucins (especially MUC2, produced by goblet cells) that coats the gastrointestinal epithelium. It physically separates the luminal contents—including food particles, microorganisms, and digestive enzymes—from the intestinal epithelial cells, preventing infection and injury. The barrier consists of multiple layers, particularly in the colon (an outer loose layer supporting commensal microbiota and a dense inner layer largely free of microbes). The barrier also presents a major challenge for oral drug delivery, as its selective permeability, charge properties, and continuous renewal can limit drug absorption. Its integrity is vital for health, with disruption associated with inflammatory and infectious diseases. Alterations in mucus composition, secretion, or thickness can affect disease susceptibility, microbiome diversity, and gut-brain axis function.

Other names

Intestinal mucosal barriergastrointestinal mucus barriermucus layer

Mucoadhesion to increase residence time or permeability; Modulation of mucus viscosity and secretion; Alteration of mucus structure to enhance drug absorption