Abstract

"A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW" OF MUCOADHESIVE POLYMERS IN DRUG DELIVERY

Harshal Raut*, Dr. Yogesh N. Gholse, Dr. Rahul H. Kasliwal and Dr. D. R. Chaple

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Abstract

This review article discusses mucoadhesive polymers, which are specialized compounds that adhere to mucosal surfaces, enhancing medication administration and retention. These polymers are crucial for drug formulations aimed at improving therapeutic efficacy by ensuring prolonged contact with mucosal tissues. This article explores emerging classes such as lectins, which enhance targeted drug delivery through specific carbohydrate binding, and thiolated polymers, which improve mucoadhesive properties through covalent interactions with mucus glycoproteins. By increasing adherence to mucosal tissues and enabling tailored therapeutic effects, new mucoadhesive polymers such as lectins, thiolated polymers, and poloxamers have shown great promise in improving drug delivery methods. Overall, mucoadhesive polymers represent a vital area in pharmaceutical development, offering significant benefits for localized drug delivery while posing challenges that require further research and innovation.

Keywords: Mucoadhesive, Thiolated, lectins, Targeted delivery, Poloxamers.