Innovative Methods and Applications in Mucoadhesion Research

Abstract

The present review is aimed at elucidating relatively new aspects of mucoadhesion/mucus interaction and related phenomena that emerged from a Mucoadhesion workshop held in Munster on 2-3 September 2015 as a satellite event of the ICCC 13th-EUCHIS 12th. After a brief outline of the new issues, the focus is on mucus description, purification, and mucus/mucin characterization, all steps that are pivotal to the understanding of mucus related phenomena and the choice of the correct mucosal model for in vitro and ex vivo experiments, alternative bio/mucomimetic materials are also presented. Then a selection of preparative techniques and testing methods are described (at molecular as well as micro and macroscale) that may support the pharmaceutical development of mucus interactive systems and assist formulators in the scale-up and industrialization steps. Recent applications of mucoadhesive systems (including medical devices) intended for different routes of administration (oral, gastrointestinal, vaginal, nasal, ocular, and intravesical) and for the treatment of difficult to treat pathologies or the alleviation of symptoms are described.

Evaluation of the mucoadhesive properties of chitosan nanoparticles prepared using different chitosan to tripolyphosphate (CS:TPP) ratios

“…In the case of no interaction the difference between the theoretical and calculated relative viscosity is zero [31]. The relative deviation from the theoretical additive line (or line of "no interaction") gives a quantitative estimate of mucoadhesion [32], although the formation of insoluble complexes/ coacervates can lead to difficulty in interpretation [33].…”

Preparation and Characterization of an Oral Vaccine Formulation Using Electrosprayed Chitosan Microparticles

“…There are several methods to test for mucoadhesion as e.g. texture analyzer, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and rheometer, but also colorimetric assays are often used (46). The PAS assay is such a colorimetric technique which is widely used for quantitative and qualitative analysis of mucoadhesion (27).…”

Recent Advancements in Using Polymers for Intestinal Mucoadhesion and Mucopenetration

“…As an alternative, transmucosal delivery can also be accomplished using mucoadhesive materials that increased the retention time of the formulation as broadly reviewed by Marcelloni and coworkers40 as well as Brannigan and Khutoryanskiy 7a. The successful commercial mucoadhesive formulations on the market (e.g., Buccastem buccal tablets, AzaSite ophthalmic solution, or NyQuil cough relief syrup) are designed for easily reachable mucosal membranes, such as oral or nasal mucosa, rather than on the intestinal mucosa.…”