Nanocomposite sponges for enhancing intestinal residence time following oral administration

In this work, nanocomposites that combine mucopenetrating and mucoadhesive properties in a single system are proposed as innovative strategy to increase drug residence time the intestine following oral administration. To aim, novel chitosan (CH) sponges loaded with nanoemulsions (NE) were developed via freeze-casting technique. The NE mucopenetration ability was determined studying surface affinity thermodynamic binding of nanosystem mucins. nanoparticles penetrate across preformed mucins layer validated by 3D-time laps Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy imaging. observations (Scanning Electron Optical Microscopy) showed participated structure sponge affecting its stability vitro release kinetics. When incubated HCT 116 Caco-2 cell lines, proved be cytocompatible over wide concentration range. Finally, vivo biodistribution nanocomposite evaluated after gavage healthy mice. intestinal retention highly enhanced when compared suspension. Overall, our results demonstrated is promising for sustained delivery.