Highlights
•Synthesis and characterization of cysteamine conjugated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-Cys).
•Conjugates showed no toxic effects on Caco-2 cells at concentrations of 0.5% (m/v).
•Maximum 34.51-fold improved mucoadhesion on the porcine buccal mucosa.
•Inclusion complexes resulted in 150-fold increased water solubility of miconazole nitrate.