Mucoadhesive Delivery System: A Smart Way to Improve Bioavailability of Nutraceuticals

Abstract

The conventional oral administration of many nutraceuticals exhibits poor oral bioavailability due to the harsh gastric conditions and first-pass metabolism. Oral mucosa has been recognized as a potential site for the delivery of therapeutic compounds. The mucoadhesive formulation can adhere to the mucosal membrane through various interaction mechanisms and enhance the retention and permeability of bioactive compounds. Absorption of bioactive compounds from the mucosa can improve bioavailability, as this route bypasses the hepatic first-pass metabolism and transit through the gastrointestinal tract. The mucosal administration is convenient, simple to access, and reported for increasing the bioactive concentration in plasma. Many mucoadhesive polymers, emulsifiers, thickeners used for the pharmaceutical formulation are accepted in the food sector. Introducing mucoadhesive formulations specific to the nutraceutical sector will be a game-changer as we are still looking for different ways to improve the bioavailability of many bioactive compounds. This article describes the overview of buccal mucosa, the concept of mucoadhesion and related theories, and different techniques of mucoadhesive formulations. Finally, the classification of mucoadhesive polymers and the mucoadhesive systems designed for the effective delivery of bioactive compounds are presented.

A review of recent progress in improving the bioavailability of nutraceutical‐loaded emulsions after oral intake

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“…Through various interaction mechanisms, the mucoadhesive preparation can make adherence to the mucosal film and boost the retention and diffusion power of bioactive combinations. Because this pathway avoids pre-systemic digestion and travels through the gastrointestinal system, absorption of bioactive mixtures from mucosa can facilitate bioavailability [11].…”

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“…Mucoadhesive properties: The concept of mucoadhesion is gaining attention in the nutraceutical sector as it improves the bioavailability of administered bioactive compounds. Mucosa or the mucus membrane is a moist tissue covering the organ and cavities of the mouth, nose, eyelid, gut, and rectum [ 123 ]. The incorporation of mucoadhesive polymers in the SEDDS formulation is an ideal way to prolong the residence time of bioactive compounds.…”