Nanoscale analysis may be used to design new types of mucoadhesive polymers. Understanding of the surface interactions between hydrophilic polymer surfaces and mucins can lead to improved adhesive bonding by hydrogen bonding. Alternatively, decoration of a mucoadhesive polymer surface with tethers of linear and block copolymers containing neutral or ionizable structures provides increased interdigitation and interpenetration with the mucus. Finally, formation of micro- or nanopatterns on these surfaces can lead to promising new systems of oral delivery applications.