Water Absorption by Polymer Matrix Leading to Mucosal Hydration

Water absorption by a polymer matrix is a physicochemical process in which hydrophilic polymers take up water from their environment, leading to swelling and the formation of a gel-like structure. This property is harnessed to hydrate mucosal surfaces, enhance adhesion, prolong drug residence time, and improve therapeutic efficacy in biomedical contexts, especially in mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. The mechanism involves hydrogen bonding between hydrophilic groups on the polymer and water molecules. This is a material-based mechanism rather than a discrete molecular entity.

Other names

Polymer hydrationMucoadhesion via polymer swellingHydrogel-mediated mucosal hydration

Hydrogen bonding between hydrophilic polymer groups and water molecules, leading to swelling and gel formation, resulting in mucosal hydration and enhanced adhesion.