Biodegradable Nanoparticles Composed Entirely of Safe Materials that Rapidly Penetrate Human Mucus

Slipping through: Pluronic molecules adsorb onto nanoparticle surfaces through their polypropylene oxide (PPO) segments with the flanking polyethylene glycol (PEG) segments forming a dense muco-inert brush (see picture; top). While uncoated particles are immobilized in mucus through adhesive interactions with mucus mesh elements, coated particles diffuse rapidly through spaces in the mucus mesh (bottom). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.