Stable Micro Systems ’ new Gel Mucoadhesion Probe has been identified as a reliable and repeatable instrument for evaluating the mucoadhesion of hydrogels. One of the most advanced drug delivery forms, hydrogel matrices are highly effective and becoming increasingly popular. Their success is dependent on their adhesive properties, which can now be assessed in a highly objective and accurate way.
Researchers Skulason, Kristmundsdottir, and Holbrook at the University of Iceland evaluated a number of test methods for gel mucoadhesion, which is essential in determining effective dosage forms for mucosal drug delivery. 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.
Jo Smewing, applications manager, Stable Micro Systems of Surrey, UK, comments: “The Gel Mucoadhesion Rig is a far more efficient alternative to the older means of assessing mucoadhesion traditionally employed by researchers. This 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. However, with our rig, hydrogel formulations can be applied accurately to the customised probe.”
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 Stable Micro Systems TA.XTplus texture analyser, further amplifying the company’s diverse range of test methods for texture analysis in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and cosmetic industries.
This news was featured in Drug Discovery & Development magazine: Vol. 13, No. 3, April 2010, p. 37.
Filed Under: Drug Discovery
