Nystatin-loaded Polyelectrolyte Complex Films as a Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System for Potential Buccal Application

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, one of the most prevalent fungal diseases globally is oropharyngeal candidiasis. The formulations of nystatin used for its treatment have several disadvantages, including a low residence time at the infection site. This study aimed to prepare and characterize polyelectrolyte films of chitosan-gum-arabic and chitosan-polygalacturonic acid using the "Solvent-Casting" technique, loaded with nystatin, to achieve a mucoadhesive and sustained release system intended for the oral cavity. The obtained films were characterized to determine the interaction between the polymers, their morphological characteristics, mucoadhesive capacity, and drug release kinetics. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the films' morphology, while infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the interaction between the polymers. Additionally, the films' antifungal activity was tested against three strains of two Candida species. The films of both formulations showed mucoadhesive capacity and a nystatin release profile explained by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Also, significant antifungal activity was found. These findings indicate that polyelectrolyte complex-based films are a plausible nystatin release system for oral application.