Mucoadhesion

Mucoadhesion is a pharmaceutical phenomenon describing the adhesive interaction between a polymer or drug delivery system and the mucus layer covering mucosal membranes. It is not a therapeutic target but rather a desirable property exploited in drug delivery technology. The mechanism involves two stages: a contact (wetting) stage where the formulation spreads and swells on the mucosal surface, followed by a consolidation stage where adhesive bonds form through diffusion theory, dehydration theory, adsorption, and electrostatic interactions. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems enhance treatment efficacy by enabling prolonged drug retention at mucosal sites, protecting drugs from harsh internal environments, and facilitating targeted delivery to specific tissues. These systems have been formulated as tablets, gels, patches, films, and sprays for administration to the oral cavity, nasal passages, vaginal tissues, ocular tissues, and rectum.

Other names

Bioadhesion