EFFECT OF MESH SIZE OF THE NETWORK ON MUCOADHESION OF POLYACRYLIC ACID HYDROGEL TO THE INTESTINAL MUCOSA IN SIMULATED PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

摘要

Work of mucoadhesion and maximum force of detachment between polyacrylic acid hydrogel and guinea miniature pig intestinal mucosa wa measured in vitro as a function of mesh size of the hydrogel network in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 6 at 37°C. A critical mesh size for the onset of chain interpenetration was observed between 5-10 nm. Another critical mesh size for the onset of bulk penetration by the microvillis inside the pores of the hydrogel network was also observed around 20 nm.