Abstract

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF BIOADHESIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON BIOADHESIVE DOSAGE FORMS

Navraj Upreti* and Rahi Bikram Thapa

ABSTRACT

Bioadhesive drug delivery systems offer a promising approach to enhance the bioavailability of medications and deliver tailored therapeutic benefits. These systems employ the inherent properties of mucoadhesive polymers, which may adhere to the mucosal surfaces that line various physiological cavities such as the gastrointestinal tract, buccal cavity, nasal passages, and vagina. Enhancing the drug's adhesion to the target site prolongs its residence time, leading to improved drug absorption and heightened therapeutic efficacy. Bioadhesive drug delivery techniques offer several advantages over conventional dosage forms, including enhanced drug bioavailability, reduced dosing frequency, and fewer systemic side effects. Various natural and synthetic polymers, including chitosan, alginate, and polyacrylic acid, have been examined to assess their capacity to stick to mucus. These polymers can be processed into several forms for delivering medication, including pills, gels, patches, and films. The current focus in bioadhesives research has mostly been on developing novel polymers with enhanced biocompatibility and mucoadhesive properties. Furthermore, these enhancements entail the integration of these substances into state-of-the-art drug delivery systems, such as microneedles and nanoparticles. Despite significant progress in the field, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order to enhance the design and performance of Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems (MDDS) for specific applications. Future research should give priority to the advancement of polymers that possess both biocompatibility and biodegradability. Furthermore, it is imperative to strive for a deeper comprehension of mucoadhesion mechanisms and explore novel applications of MDDS in the management of various illnesses.

Keywords: Bioadhesive drug delivery systems, Polymers, Bioavailability, Dosage forms, Therapeutic outcomes.