page_title: Mucoadhesion
section_title: Strong and prolonged adhesion
hierarchical_section_title: Mucoadhesion / Stages of mucoadhesive process / Consolidation stage / Strong and prolonged adhesion
caption_attribution_description: English: Mode of action of mucoadhesion. Dry mucus will not adhere to a mucoadhesive, but in the presence of moisture the mucus becomes plastic and can form intermolecular bonds.
context_page_description: Mucoadhesion describes the attractive forces between a biological material and mucus or mucous membrane. Mucous membranes adhere to epithelial surfaces such as the gastrointestinal tract, the vagina, the lung, the eye, etc. They are generally hydrophilic as they contain many hydrogen macromolecules due to the large amount of water within its composition. However, mucin also contains glycoproteins that enable the formation of a gel-like substance. Understanding the hydrophilic bonding and adhesion mechanisms of mucus to biological material is of utmost importance in order to produce the most efficient applications. For example, in drug delivery systems, the mucus layer must be penetrated in order to effectively transport micro- or nanosized drug particles into the body. Bioadhesion is the mechanism by which two biological materials are held together by interfacial forces.
context_section_description: The consolidation stage of mucoadhesion involves the establishment of adhesive interactions to reinforce strong or prolonged adhesion. When moisture is present, mucoadhesive materials become activated and the system becomes plasticized. This stimulus allows the mucoadhesive molecules to separate and break free while proceeding to link up by weak van der Waals and hydrogen bonds. Consolidation factors are essential for the surface when exposed to significant dislodging stresses. Multiple mucoadhesion theories exist that explain the consolidation stage, the main two which focus on macromolecular interpenetration and dehydration.
caption: Mode of action of mucoadhesion. Dry mucus will not adhere to a mucoadhesive, but in the presence of moisture the mucus becomes plastic and can form intermolecular bonds.
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