Abstract

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND ADVANCES OF MUCO ADHESIVE DRUG DELIVARY SYSTEMS: AN REVIEW

Ch. Tarakaramarao*

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to review the mechanisms and theories involved in mucoadhesion. However this route could become a significant means for the delivery of a range of active agents in the coming years, if the barriers to buccal drug delivery are overcome. 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. In recent years many such mucoadhesive drug delivery systems have been developed for oral, buccal, nasal, rectal and vaginal routes for both systemic and local effects. Mucoadhesive drug delivery system prolong the residence time of the dosage form at the site of application or absorption and facilitate an intimate contact of the dosage form with the underline absorption surface and thus contribute to improved better therapeutic performance of the drug. Mucoadhesion is a complex phenomenon which involves wetting, adsorption and interpenetration of polymer chains. The current review provides a good insight on mucoadhesive polymers, the phenomenon of mucoadhesion and the factors which have the ability to affect the mucoadhesive properties of a polymer. This paper describes some effort to increase the residence time of drug dosage forms in GI tract, by gastroretentive units and bioadhesive gastrointestinal patches. Several gastrointestinal patch systems provide bioadhesion, drug protection and unidirectional release, This combination of function could improve the overall oral bioavailability.

Keywords: Mucoadhesive, Bioadhession, Gastrointestinal, residence time, oral mucosa, Mucin.