One of the most advanced and exciting drug delivery forms, hydrogel matrices are highly effective and increasingly popular. Testing gel mucoadhesion is essential for determining effective dosage forms for mucosal drug delivery. Older means of assessing gel mucoadhesion involved attaching mucin disks to the bottom of a regular cylinder probe with double-sided tape and testing the force required to loosen them from a given formulation. With the gel mucoadhesion probe, hydrogel formulations can be applied accurately to the customized probe, allowing for sample testing in conditions where the samples would usually occur.

Researchers Skulason, Kristmundsdottir and Holbrook at the University of Iceland recently evaluated a number of test methods for gel mucoadhesion. This area of research has until now remained relatively untouched compared to that of solid dosage forms. They concluded that Stable Micro Systems’ test probe gave the most accurate and consistent results. This is because its design encourages controlled volumes of sample to adhere to the surface of the probe, and testing can be carried out in realistic conditions.

Constant gel volumes can be achieved through use of a syringe, and a PTFE sleeve is provided with the kit where larger volumes of hydrogel are required. The Mucoadhesion Rig attaches to TA.XTPlus Texture Analyzer, and is just one of Stable Micro Systems’ diverse range of test methods for texture analysis in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and cosmetic industries.

Are you interested in learning more about the Mucoadhesion Rig? Contact us for more information.

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