| Wettability |
Bioadhesive polymers penetrate and develop intimate contact with the mucous layers. |
| Diffusion |
Physical entanglement of mucin strands and flexible polymer chains. Influenced by molecular weight, cross-linking density, chain flexibility, and expansion capacity of both networks. |
| Adsorption |
Bioadhesion is due to primary forces (ionic, covalent, and metallic) and secondary forces (van der Waals, hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds) between surfaces. |
| Electronic |
Attractive electrostatic forces between the glycoprotein mucin network and the bioadhesive material. |
| Fracture |
Detachment force needed to separate the mucus and polymer reflects the force of the adhesive binding. |
