A Self-unfolding Proximity Enabling Device via Mucoadhesive Activation for Better Retention in the Small Intestine

Anja Boisen – Professor, Denmark Technical University; Juliane Fjelrad Christfort – Postdoc, Health Technology, Denmark Technical University; Khorshid Kamguyan – Academic staff member, Denmark Technical University; Morten Søndergaard Svendsen – Consultant, Denmark Technical University

Introduction: The oral delivery of biologics is patient-friendly but limited by gastrointestinal barriers that reduce bioavailability (1). Current strategies, including pH coating and nanotechnology-based formulations have shown promise but still suffer from limitations, such as low bioavailability (2), which is often ascribed to a lack of proximity to the absorption site. To address this, our group developed self-unfolding proximity-enabling devices (SPEDs) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which promote unidirectional release and close contact with the mucosa (3,4). Building upon this concept, we introduced mucoadhesive properties to enhance retention and adhesion.