Why Does Mucoadhesion Matter? - Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Systems with Antifungal Activity in the Local Treatment of Oral Cavity Candidiasis

Sep 30, 2026

Disorders in the oral cavity caused by pathogenic fungi present a major clinical challenge, especially for immunocompromised individuals and patients receiving oncological therapy or antibiotics. Topical mucoadhesive dosage forms offer a practical strategy, using prolonged retention to maintain therapeutic concentrations at the infection site. Local delivery can improve efficacy versus systemic administration, enabling lower doses and fewer systemic side effects. Mucoadhesive systems also support long-term treatment by strengthening adhesion in a moist oral environment. This review summarizes mechanisms, polymer-based advantages, and recent developments in mucoadhesive delivery systems for oral candidiasis.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages33

Reading Time1 h 23 min

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Introduction

Oral Cavity as the Area of Drug Application

Review Why Does Mucoadhesion Matter? Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Systems with Antifungal Activity in the Local Treatment of Oral Cavity Candidiasis Katarzyna Olechno 1, *, Julia Higuchi 2 and Katarzyna Winnicka 1 Academic Editor: Andrea Sorrentino Received: 24 October 2025 Revised: 12 December 2025 Accepted: 18 December 2025 Published: 21 December 2025 Copyright: © 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; [katarzyna.winnicka@umb.edu.pl](katarzyna.winnicka@umb.edu.pl) 2 Laboratory of Nanostructures, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sokołowska 29/37, 01-424 Warsaw, Poland; [j.higuchi@labnano.pl](j.higuchi@labnano.pl) * Correspondence: [katarzyna.olechno@umb.edu.pl](katarzyna.olechno@umb.edu.pl) Abstract Disorders in the oral cavity caused by pathogenic fungi pose a significant clinical challenge, particularly in immunocompromised patients, as well as those undergoing oncological therapy or antibiotic treatment. A practical therapeutic approach involves the topical application of mucoadhesive drug dosage forms. However, only a limited number of such preparations are available on the pharmaceutical market. Mucoadhesive systems are especially advantageous, as they ensure prolonged retention and adequate concentrations of the active substances at the site of infection. Localized drug delivery enhances therapeutic efficacy compared to systemic administration, enabling lower drug doses, and consequently reducing the risk of side effects. Moreover, many fungal conditions require long-term treatment, which maybe optimized by the use of mucoadhesive systems, improving patient compliance. Considering the issue of limited adhesion of conventional drug dosage forms and the moist environment in the oral cavity, providing optimal mucoadhesive properties is a key aspect. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the significance of treating oral candidiasis using mucoadhesive drug dosage forms, the mechanisms and advantages of mucoadhesion (including relevant polymers), and, most importantly, recent scientific reports on the development and quality assessment of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems for the management of oral fungal diseases. Keywords: mucoadhesive drug carriers; local drug delivery systems; mucoadhesive polymers; mucoadhesion; antifungal therapy 1. Introduction Oral Cavity as the Area of Drug Application The oral cavity is a crucial and increasingly popular site for drug delivery, particularly for medications targeting mucosal membranes. The oral mucosa, with its complex structure and high permeability, provides a unique environment for the local application ion of drugs. Medications delivered in this manner can effectively treat various conditions, including microbial infections (such as candidiasis, gingivitis, periodontitis), as well as ulcers, inflammation, and pain. The oral mucosa consists of a multilayered squamousepithelium supported by an underlying lamina propria of connective tissue. The epithelium may be keratinized, as observed in masticatory regions such as the hard palate and gums, or non-keratinized, as in lining areas including the cheeks, lips, and the floor of the mouth. The lamina propria is contains a dense network of capillaries, fibroblasts, immune cells, and extracellular matrix components that provide structural support and facilitate immune responses. In certain regions, a submucosal layer is also present, containing minor salivary glands, adipose tissue, and neurovascular elements that play a crucial role in the absorption and delivery of drugs [1–3] . It should be emphasized that the oral cavity represents a highly dynamic and challenging environment due to contin

FAQs

Why is local drug delivery in the oral cavity important?

The oral cavity is a key site for targeting mucosal membranes. However, saliva flow, enzymes, chewing, and tongue movements can cause conventional formulations to detach quickly, limiting retention and absorption.

What advantages do mucoadhesive drug delivery systems provide over conventional therapies?

Mucoadhesive polymer systems prolong contact with mucosal tissues, support controlled/local accumulation and absorption, and can shield actives from hydrolytic or enzymatic degradation while improving dosing accuracy and patient adherence.

How do mucoadhesive systems help antifungal treatment in oral candidiasis?

They help maintain adequate drug concentrations at the infection site through prolonged retention, enabling localized therapeutic efficacy and potentially reducing required dose and systemic side effects during long-term treatment.

Sep 30, 2026

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