Polycationic Penetration Enhancers

Some drug absorption enhancers are capable of loosening tight junctions (zonula occludens) and thereby facilitate paracellular absorption of drug molecules and improve the bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients with low membrane permeability. The penetration enhancers include chelating agents [e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), toxins [e.g., zonula occludens toxin), plant-derived materials [e.g., aloe vera gel), and cationic polymers. Polycationic lipophilic-core dendrons, which form lipophilic ion-pairs with heparin, were studied as a system for oral delivery of heparin.  

Mucoadhesive properties of cationic polymers used in the preparation of a particular DDS may also increase the intestinal absorption of carried dmgs. Except for chitosan, also poly(L-arginine) and aminated gelatin have been used for intranasal delivery of insulin as mucoadhesive polymers. 

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