Published Paper Details:

This article focuses on defining the principles of bioadhesive delivery systems based on hydrogels to biological surfaces that are covered by mucus. Mucoadhesion can be defined as the process by which a natural or a synthetic polymer can adhere to a biological substrate. There are many routes of mucoadhesive drug delivery system, oral route is the most ancient as well as preferred by patient being convenient to take. However peroral route has short comings such as hepatic first pass metabolism and enzymatic degradation in GIT which is a hindrance to the absorption of most proteins and peptides groups of drugs. The buccal mucosa is a barrier, providing protection to underlying tissue, but is more permeable than other alternative routes such as the skin. Buccal films are polymeric matrices designed to be mucoadhesive properties and usually formulated with permeability enhancers to improve bioavailability. Conventionally, buccal films for biologics are manufactured by solvent casting, yet recent developments have shown the potential of hot melt extrusion, and most recently ink jet printing as promising strategies. The research on mucoadhesives, however, is still in its early stage, and further advances need to be made for the successful translation of the concept into practical application in controlled drug delivery.