“Comprehensive review on characterization of mucoadhesive drug delivery system”
Department of Pharmaceutics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Porur, Chennai – 600125.
Review
Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 2026, 16(01), 041-052.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjbp.2026.16.1.0015
Publication history:
Received on 27 December 2025; revised on 14 February 2026; accepted on 17 February 2026
Abstract:
Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems (MDDS) represent a significant advancement in pharmaceutical technology, designed to prolong the residence time of formulations at mucosal surfaces, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. These systems leverage bioadhesive polymers that interact with the mucus layer through various mechanisms, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces. The successful development and performance of MDDS are critically dependent on comprehensive characterization, which ensures optimal adhesion, controlled drug release, and patient safety. Key physicochemical parameters such as surface charge (zeta potential), particle size, moisture content, viscosity, and polymer composition are meticulously evaluated. Furthermore, mechanical properties like tensile, peel, and shear strength are vital for assessing the integrity and adhesive performance of these formulations. In vitro techniques, including the Wilhelmy plate, adhesion weight, and falling liquid film methods, are employed to simulate and quantify mucoadhesive behavior. This review systematically outlines the essential characterization strategies for MDDS, underscoring their role in optimizing formulation design for various application routes, such as oral, nasal, and vaginal delivery, to achieve sustained and targeted drug release.
Keywords:
Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System (MDDS); Bioadhesion; Characterization; Zeta Potential; Tensile Strength
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0