title: The properties of the mucus barrier, a unique gel--how can nanoparticles cross it?
abstract: The key criterion for a nanoparticle drug-delivery system is the ability to produce substantial bioavailability without damaging the physiological protective mechanisms. The main area for drug delivery is the aerodigestive tract. All epithelial surfaces have a membrane-bound layer and in the lung this layer is surmounted by a gel layer. In the gastrointestinal tract the membrane-bound mucin layer is covered by a mucus bilayer. The pore sizes of mucus gels are around 100 to 200 nm. Consequently, only nanoparticles in this size range could potentially penetrate without modification of these layers. To study nanoparticle permeation with results that pertain to in vivo conditions, native mucus mucin preparations must be used. Strategies to increase pores in mucus gels are discussed herein.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Cell & Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 4HH, UK.
authors.forename: Jeffrey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.affiliation: Institute for Cell & Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 4HH, UK.
authors.forename: Peter I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Chater
authors.affiliation: Institute for Cell & Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 4HH, UK.
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Wilcox
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D009077:Mucins / Q000737:chemistry; D009093:Mucus / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D009077:Mucins
keywords: aerodigestive tract; gel; mucin; mucus barrier; nanocarrier; nanoparticle; permeation; pores