Design and Optimization of Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System for Ulcerative Colitis

Amiya Ranjan Dash

Abstract: Mesalamine is the mainstay of therapy for 'ulcerative colitis (UC)', a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that suffers from poor drug localization, inconsistent release profiles, and systemic side effects. Conventional drug delivery approaches are faced with difficulty in maintaining a favorable drug retention time at the colonic site and ensuring a sustained drug release. Existing formulations suffer from the problem of insufficient polymer combinations, and variable release rates, and have not been optimized systematically. The aim of this research is to improve a mucoadhesive drug delivery system for the delivery of the anti-inflammatory agent mesalamine, for increased localized delivery, decreased side effects, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Drug excipient compatibility testing will form part of the pre-formulation studies whilst formulation development will involve the study of mucoadhesive polymers such as 'chitosan', 'carbopol', and 'pectin'. The techniques of ionic gelation and solvent evaporation will be used to encapsulate the drug. The critical formulation parameters (polymer concentration, drug load, and particle size) will be optimized using a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, with statistical analysis by ANOVA. Mucoadhesion strength, drug release profiles, and stability in the simulated colonic fluid will be evaluated by in vitro evaluations. The expected results of this study include more consistent release of the drug, greater retention in the colon, fewer side effects, and improved patient adherence. The findings of this research will be useful in developing a more effective Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System (MDDS) for UC treatment and may also provide useful information for designing targeted drug delivery in other gastrointestinal disorders.

Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, mesalamine, mucoadhesive drug delivery system, polymer optimization, drug release

How to Cite?: Amiya Ranjan Dash, "Design and Optimization of Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System for Ulcerative Colitis", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1198-1203, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251215191945, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251215191945