Graft copolymer networks of poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) containing well characterized tethers of high molecular weight poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared using free radical solution UV-polymerization. The copolymers were prepared in different molar ratios. The high molecular weight PEG was incorporated to improve mucoadhesion through interpenetration and as a result improve residence time of the carrier and absorption at the drug delivery site. The copolymers were characterized through dynamic swelling and adhesion testing through the use of an Instron tensile testing machine. Initial results suggest that the addition of the high molecular weight PEG tethers causes a deviation from the synergistic effect of the PAA hydrogen bonding and PEG interpenetration by decreasing the mucoadhesive properties of the hydrogel. Further characterization will be done by adhesive moieties some of which are present in several small intestines attacking bacteriums on the ends of the PEG tethers. These new tethers will be characterized to determine the interactions between the mucus layer and the polymer, and to better understand the interactions between the functional groups on the PEG tethers and the cell ligands along the epithelial cell layer of the small intestine.