Abstract
Mucoadhesive liposomal systems were developed for oral delivery of poorly absorbable drugs such as peptide drugs. The novel drug delivery systems could be prepared by coating the surface of liposomes containing the drugs with mucoadhesive polymers such as chitosan and Carbopol. Improvement of peptide drug absorption with the polymer coated liposomes was demonstrated in rats. The penetration of the liposomal systems into the mucosa of rat intestines was observed with confocal laser scanning microscopy as well as their retentive properties in the intestinal tract. Immunological response was also detected in oral administration of the chitosan-coated liposomes containing ovalbumin.
