Comparative Study of the Mucoadhesive Properties of Polymers for Pharmaceutical Use

BACKGROUND: In recent years, mucoadhesive dosage forms due to their advantages have attracted the interest of researchers and developers. Polymeric excipients are included into the drug composition to give adhesion to the mucous membrane. AIM: The aim of this research was to select a specific brand of pharmaceutical quality polymer that is promising for inclusion in the drug formulation. METHODS: The article presents the results of studying the mucoadhesive properties of polymers on two models using mucin: By measuring the amount of adhesion and by the evaluation the sample movement speed. RESULTS: According to the combination of two indicators, the highest mucoadhesive properties were shown by the brands of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and xanthan gum. In addition, it was noted that hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), sodium alginate, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) also have good mucoadhesive properties. Polyethylene glycols proved to have the weakest mucoadhesive properties. The negative relationship between the average molecular weight and the sample movement speed of the HEC and HPMC was established. Obtained data showed no direct influence of the polymer average molecular weight on the amount of adhesion. It was also noted that there is no strong correlation between the amount of adhesion and the sample movement speed of the experimental samples. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study, it was suggested that the complex influences of the physical and chemical properties of the polymer on its mucoadhesive properties