Xyloglucan has been proved in many articles as a promising in
situ gelling agent for the mucosal route of administration. In this
study, thiolation of xyloglucan was carried out to enhance bioadhesive
property of xyloglucan. Thiolation of xyloglucan did not alter
its gelling ability. Moreover thiolated xyloglucan has permeation
enhancing effect without causing mucosal toxicity. The in situ gel
system based on thiolated xyloglucan exhibits better texture and
idea gelling properties along with good in vitro in vivo degradation.
The present study gives an extensive characterization of a thiolated
xyloglucan and should therefore facilitate the development of new
drug delivery systems providing a greatly prolonged residence time
on various mucosal tissues like nasal, rectal, ocular, vaginal, etc.