Compositions with improved particle transport in mucus are provided. The compositions include modifying the surface coatings of particles including pharmaceutical agents that have a low aqueous solubility. In some embodiments, a surface coating includes a synthetic polymer having pendant hydroxyl groups on the backbone of the polymer, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Such compositions and methods can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications.
