Drug Delivery Systems Based On Mucoadhesive Polymers

Transmucosal delivery of therapeutic agents is a non-invasive approach that utilizes human entry paths such as the nasal, buccal, rectal and vaginal routs. Mucoadhesive polymers have the ability to adhere to the mucus layer covering those surfaces and by that promote drug release, targeting and absorption. Mucoadhesive polymers commonly interact with mucus through non-covalent bonds such as hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions and/or chain entanglement. This chapter reviews variety of mucoadhesive polymeric systems with a special emphasis on recent developments in the field. In particular, a new class of covalently interacting mucoadhesive polymers termed acrylated mucoadhesive polymers is described in detail. Acrylated mucoadhesive polymers are macromolecules which carry at least one double bond therefore are capable of forming covalent link with thiol groups on mucin type glycoproteins, the main component of mucus. To date, two acrylated mucoadhesive polymers were synthesized, and their ability to act as a mucoadhesive drug release vehicle was characterized and compare to other covalently binding mucoadhesive polymers. This approach opens a way to additional clinical applications that will benefit from the administration of drugs through the mucosa surface.