Mucoadhesive Nanoparticles: A Roadmap to Encounter the Challenge of Rapid Nasal Mucociliary Clearance

Abstract

The modulation of mucoadhesion at the nanoscale is a very challenging task before the formulation scientists. Mucoadhesive nanoparticles are endowed with distinct properties such as increased residence, intimate contact of mucoadhesive dosage form at the mucosal surface and reproducible drug absorption. Large surface area, porous endothelial membrane, high total blood flow, ready accessibility, rapid onset of action, low enzyme level compared to gastrointestinal tract and avoidance of hepatic first pass metabolism are few of the major reasons for preferred drug delivery across the nasal mucosal membrane. There is a limited systematic summarized literature is available which could outline the potential of mucoadhesive nanoparticles for intranasal administration and present review could be an excellent platform to fulfill the voids. The authors put very enthusiastic opinion that the nasal mucoadhesive nanocarriers would meet the criteria set by regulatory authorities and soon such formulations would be available to accomplish the healing desires of the community, provided a successful execution of extensive clinical research with encouraging outcomes.

Keywords: Nanomedicine; Nanoparticles; Mucoadhesion; Intranasal; Drug delivery