Interaction of cellulose-based cationic polyelectrolytes with mucin

Mucoadhesivity of water-soluble polymers is an important factor, when testing their suitability for controlled drug delivery systems. For this purpose, the interaction of new cationic cellulose polyelectrolytes with lyophilized mucin was investigated by means of turbidimetric titration, microscopy and measurement of zeta potential and particle size changes in the system. Results show that the cellulose derivatives interact with mucin. This interaction became stronger if cellulose macromolecules contained positively charged groups and an electrostatic interaction with the negatively charged mucin particles occurred. Under certain conditions flocculation of mucin particles by the cellulose polyelectrolyte was observed.