Supramolecular materials: Longer and safer gastric residence

A supramolecular polymer that is stable in the acidic environment of the stomach but dissolves in the neutral-pH environment of the intestines prolongs the safe retention of gastric devices. To prolong the residence of dosage forms in the stomach, rapidly swelling superporous hydrogels, floating systems, and mucoadhesive formulations have been proposed. Traverso et al report the design of pH-responsive supramolecular gels that exhibit excellent stability and elasticity under the acidic conditions of the stomach, and that undergo dissolution in the less acidic conditions of the small and large intestines.