The potential of mucoadhesive polymers in enhancing intestinal peptide drug absorption. III: Effects of chitosan-glutamate and carbomer on epithelial tight junctions in vitro

Two mucoadhesive polymers, chitosan-glutamate and carbomer, were studied in an in vitro model (Caco-2 cell monolayers) with respect to their ability to enhance intestinal peptide drug delivery. Preparations of the polymers at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% w/v (chitosan), and of 0.5 and 1.0% w/v (carbomer) were applied to the apical side of Caco-2 cell monolayers. The effects on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular transport of a FITC-dextran of a molecular weight of 4400 (FD-4) and [14C]mannitol were measured. Paracellular transport of FD-4 was visualized by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Furthermore, the impact of lowering the pH of the polymer solutions to pH 4 on the integrity of the cell layer was determined. The results show that both polymers were able to decrease TEER of Caco-2 cell layers significantly. In the case of carbomer, CLSM revealed a partial opening of epithelial tight junctions. Lowering of the pH in the control and polymer solutions to pH 4 resulted in every case in the irreversible damage of a large percentage of the cells, as shown by CLSM. Transport studies with [14C]mannitol and FD-4 showed only during co-application of carbomer significantly increased fluxes, whereas no difference from the control solution could be detected for chitosan-glutamate. A threshold value of about 50% of TEER reduction has been identified, which allows for transport of hydrophilic compounds across the cell monolayers of the Caco-2 cell model.