mucoadhäsiven

Mucoadhesive refers to the property of a substance to adhere to mucous membranes. Mucous membranes line various cavities and passages in the body, including the mouth, nose, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract. This adhesion is typically based on physical interactions, such as hydrogen bonding or van der Waals forces, between the mucoadhesive material and the mucin glycoproteins that form the mucus layer.

This property is particularly relevant in pharmaceutical formulations. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems are designed to prolong the residence time of a drug at a specific site in the body, thereby enhancing drug absorption and potentially reducing dosing frequency. Examples include mucoadhesive tablets for oral administration, nasal sprays, ophthalmic gels, and vaginal suppositories. The formulation of mucoadhesive materials often involves polymers that exhibit mucoadhesive characteristics. The effectiveness of mucoadhesion can be influenced by factors such as the formulation's composition, the physiological conditions of the mucous membrane (e.g., pH, presence of enzymes), and the duration of contact. Research in this area focuses on developing novel mucoadhesive materials with improved adhesion strength, controlled release profiles, and biocompatibility.