Stealth properties of nanoparticles decorated with poly-N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide studied by SANS contrast variation

Mucus is a viscoelastic gel present on various moist surfaces of human body including gastrointestinal tract, eyes, respiratory system, bladder and vagina. Administration of drugs via mucosal membranes offers a number of advantages as it can be used as an alternative to injections and sometimes gives an opportunity to deliver medication directly to the target organ. However, the mucus gel often acts as a barrier for successful drug delivery; it can trap drug molecules before they are able to reach surface cells and achieve therapeutic effects. The aim of this research is to develop and characterise nanoparticles, whose surface is decorated with a polymer water-soluble polymer coating. This coating will provide these nanoparticles an ability to penetrate through the mucus.