Mucoadhesive and bioadhesive polymers

摘要

This invention provides a method of augmenting an epithelial mucosal barrier, by contacting the barrier with a topical composition. This invention also provides the topical composition. The topical composition comprises, dispersed or dissolved in a topically acceptable vehicle, at least one polymer containing either a repeat unit of structure 1 or a repeat unit of structure 2, or a mixture This method and composition are useful in improving mucosal barrier function by, for example, topical application to an exposed or injured epithelial surface or by coating a compromised mucosal barrier in, for example, inflammatory bowel disease.