Conductive formulations containing conductive agents, such as salts, ionic surfactants, or other substances that are in an ionized state or easily ionized in an aqueous or organic solvent environment, and methods of use, have been developed. One or more active agents, such as antivirals, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, proteins or peptides, may optionally be included with the formulation. The active agent may be administered with or incorporated into the formulation, or may be administered after the conductive formulation is administered. When applied to mucosal lining fluids, the formulation alters the physical properties such as the surface tension, surface elasticity, and bulk viscosity of the mucosal lining. The formulation is administered in an amount sufficient to alter biophysical properties in the mucosal linings of the body. The formulations may be administered for several different purposes: reducing the spreading of infectious diseases, both viral and bacterial, such as SARS, influenza, tuberculosis, and RSV in humans and hoof and mouth disease in cloven-footed animals; minimizing ambient contamination due to particle formation during breathing, coughing, sneezing, or talking which is particularly important in the clean room applications; decreasing or preventing the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea and some cases of irritable bowel syndrome; and controlling the uptake kinetics of drug molecules and pathogens.