Within this study, a novel gastrointestinal patch system was developed and investigated regarding water-absorbing capacity, adhesive properties, in vitro release, unidirectional release and permeation enhancing effect. Water uptake studies revealed that the weight of patch systems with Ch-GSH increased about 44.5 +/- 2.3 mg (127%) after 90 min. This patch system remained even after 180 h on the mucosa and released 49.7 +/- 0.7% of FD(4) within 8 h. A 2.5-fold higher transport of FD(4) can be obtained in contrast to control. In conclusion this patch system could be an interesting possibility for the transport through the intestinal mucosa of macromolecules which will normally be degraded in the intestinal tract.