Abstract

OVERVIEW ON MUCOADHESIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Dinesh Gaikwad*, Prakash Jadhav, Vishal Yadav, Pramodkumar Shirote, Shreekant Dhangarpure and Aboli Mirgane

ABSTRACT

Drug actions can be improved by developing new drug delivery systems, such as the mucoadhesive system. 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. Several in vitro and in vivo methodologies are proposed for studying its mechanisms. However, mucoadhesion is not yet well understood. The aim of this study was to review the mechanisms and theories involved in mucoadhesion, as well as to describe the most-used methodologies and polymers in mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. This article focuses on defining the principles of bioadhesive delivery systems based on hydrogels to biological surfaces that are covered by mucus. An overview of the last decade’s discoveries on mucoadhesion and applications of mucoadhesive hydrogels as drug carriers is given. Techniques that are frequently used to study the adhesion forces and physicochemical interactions between hydrogel, mucus, and the underlying mucosa are reviewed. Mucoadhesion can be defined as a state in which two components, of which one is of biological origin are held together for extended periods of time by the help of interfacial forces mucoadhesion is the attachement of the drug along with a suitable carrier to the mucous membrane. Mucoadhesion is a complex phenomenon which involves wetting, adsorption and interpenetration of polymer chains. Thereafter, several researchers have focused on the investigations of the interfacial phenomena of mucoadhesion with the mucus. The polymers used for formulation of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems are poly acrylic acid derivatives, chitosan and newer second generation polymers. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems with its various advantages have a lot of potential in formulating dosage forms for various chronic diseases.

Keywords: Polymer, Hydration, Chitosan.