Abstract
The goal of this research was to study the potential of polyelectrolyte multilayers as buccal dosage forms for drug delivery and to investigate how the properties of the drugs impact the overall performance of the delivery system. Multilayer films based on the polyelectrolyte interaction between casein and chitosan were developed using benzydamine, tolfenamic acid and betahistine as model drugs. The samples were characterized for surface pH, moisture content and moisture absorption, swelling behavior and mucoadhesion. Additionally, surface morphology was investigated, as well as the drugs’ physical state after incorporation in the multilayer films. The samples proved to be non-irritant (pH was within the physiological range), physically stable (moisture content and moisture absorption below 5%) and mucoadhesive, adsorbing from 60 to 70% mucin. The release behavior corelated to the swelling index profiles of the samples and was strongly dependent on the drug solubility. The developed multilayer films appeared to be an optimum delivery system for sparingly soluble drugs due to the high drug loading achieved.
Highlights
Contemporary strategies to deliver systemically acting drugs include administration via alternative delivery routes
Multilayer films based on the polyelectrolyte interaction between casein and chitosan were developed
The multilayers were deposited onto a PDLA supports which were pre-treated on a positive corona to allow attachment of the first polyelectrolyte layer, casein
Summary
Contemporary strategies to deliver systemically acting drugs include administration via alternative delivery routes. Buccal films have gained relevance as novel, convenient and patient-friendly formulations [8] These formulations have been developed to release drugs locally for the treatment of fungal or bacterial infections [9–12]. Mucoadhesive films, in turn, provide intimate contact with buccal mucosa, which implies longer retention time and can release drugs in a prolonged manner [13,14]. They improve patient compliance due to their small size, reduced thickness, and refined mechanical properties [15]. Depending on the manufacturing method, drug release from such dosage forms can be oriented either towards the oral cavity (local effect) or towards the buccal mucosa, allowing systemic absorption
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