Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Films Research Articles

Using tannins as active compounds to develop antioxidant and antimicrobial chitosan and cellulose based films

Three tannin extracts from different sources (white peel grape (W), red peel grape (R) and oak bark (O)) have been used to obtain active films based on different polysaccharides: chitosan (CH), methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Tannin-rich films were obtained by casting as monolayers (by blending all the components) and as bilayers (one polysaccharide layer plus one tannin layer applied as a coating). Microstructural and physicochemical properties (water solubility, water vapor permeability, mechanical and optical properties), as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films, were analysed. Tannins, regardless of their origin, acted as crosslinking agents when incorporated into CH or MC films due to the establishment of specific associations, mainly hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Thus, these tannin-rich films turned less water soluble, mechanically stiffer and less stretchable. In contrast, tannins provoke precipitation in the HPMC film-forming solutions and the application of tannins onto the HPMC film surface gave rise to a weakened network due to the local precipitation of HPMC-tannin complexes. The greatest antioxidant capacity was found in both mono and bilayer tannin-rich MC based films in different food simulants, in line with a tannin release from the polymer matrix. The MC bilayer films also exhibited a bacteriostatic activity against both E.Coli and L. innocua. So, MC films with tannins could represent a good alternative as active coatings or packaging material so as to prevent the occurrence of oxidative reactions in sensitive food products or to control bacterial growth.

High-Payload Buccal Delivery System of Amorphous Curcumin-Chitosan Nanoparticle Complex in Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Starch Films.

Oral delivery of curcumin (CUR) has limited effectiveness due to CUR’s poor systemic bioavailability caused by its first-pass metabolism and low solubility. Buccal delivery of CUR nanoparticles can address the poor bioavailability issue by virtue of avoidance of first-pass metabolism and solubility enhancement afforded by CUR nanoparticles. Buccal film delivery of drug nanoparticles, nevertheless, has been limited to low drug payload. Herein, we evaluated the feasibilities of three mucoadhesive polysaccharides, i.e., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), starch, and hydroxypropyl starch as buccal films of amorphous CUR–chitosan nanoplex at high CUR payload. Both HPMC and starch films could accommodate high CUR payload without adverse effects on the films’ characteristics. Starch films exhibited far superior CUR release profiles at high CUR payload as the faster disintegration time of starch films lowered the precipitation propensity of the highly supersaturated CUR concentration generated by the nanoplex. Compared to unmodified starch, hydroxypropyl starch films exhibited superior CUR release, with sustained release of nearly 100% of the CUR payload in 4 h. Hydroxypropyl starch films also exhibited good payload uniformity, minimal weight/thickness variations, high folding endurance, and good long-term storage stability. The present results established hydroxypropyl starch as the suitable mucoadhesive polysaccharide for high-payload buccal film applications.

Microwave vs. conventional extraction of pectin from Malus domestica ‘Fălticeni’ pomace and its potential use in hydrocolloid-based films

Conventional extraction (CE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were compared in terms of efficiency and quality of pectin in two separate processes aimed to extract pectin from Malus domestica ‘Fălticeni’ apple pomace. A similar extraction yield in a shorter extraction time was observed for the microwave-assisted procedure as compared to CE, while the galacturonic acid content and the degree of esterification of pectin were similar for both methods. Apple pectin extracted from this plant source by both methods had high galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification and molecular weight. Considering the high efficiency of microwave-assisted extraction and the composition of the obtained pectin, microwave-assisted apple pectin extracted under optimal conditions was used to produce edible films in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Films formulated with pectin from microwave extraction had significant lower oxygen permeability as compared to plasticized pure HPMC films, which makes microwave extracted pectin suitable for film-forming applications in which a good barrier to oxygen is required.

Immobilization of roselle anthocyanins into polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose film matrix: Study on the interaction behavior and mechanism for better shrimp freshness monitoring

The roselle anthocyanin extracts (RAE) were immobilized into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) film matrix, their interaction behavior and mechanism was fully understood for better shrimp freshness monitoring. Structural characterizations revealed RAE was firmly immobilized PVA/HPMC matrix by hydrogen bonds. With increasing RAE contents, dramatic increases of film thickness (from 15.90 ± 0.14 to 23.20 ± 3.35 μm), tensile strength (from 45.66 ± 1.07 to 56.98 ± 0.24 MPa), light barrier and active properties (increased by 83.18% for antioxidant and 146.91%, 59.18% for antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus) were observed, while hydrophobic properties decreased significantly. Owing to great ammonia-sensitive ability, the PVA/HPMC/RAE (PHR) films were applied on shrimp freshness qualitative monitoring and greater visible color variations were identified with increasing RAE contents. Furthermore, mathematical models were established for quantitative monitoring. In conclusion, with the increasing RAE contents, the tighter interaction between RAE and PVA/HPMC matrix contributed to the better functional properties and freshness monitoring effects of PHR films.

Production of oral films based on pre-gelatinized starch, CMC and HPMC for delivery of bioactive compounds extract from acerola industrial waste

The residue from the processing of acerola, due to the concentration of active compounds, and antioxidant potential has aroused interest in its application. In this context, this study aimed to produce and characterization oral films based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and pre-gelatinized starch with the incorporation of ethanolic extract of dehydrated acerola industrial waste (EEDAIW) using tape-casting technique. The rheological properties of filmogenic solutions of CMC, HPMC, and starch were assessed. Oral films were characterized in relation to color parameters, mechanical properties, surface pH, contact angle, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and stability in relation to total phenolic compounds. It was found that apparent viscosity decreased with the deformation rate and the expected behavior of pseudoplastic fluids, regardless of the polymer used. In general, the addition of EEDAIW in the films led to a reduction in the tensile strength of the films and an increase in the contact angle values; however, the surface pH of the films remained close to the oral pH (6.8). From the FTIR, it was found that even after the addition of EEDAIW, all films showed predominant absorption bands, characteristic of the polymer used. It was found that after 84 days, CMC-based films had a higher concentration of total phenolic compounds when compared to HPMC and starch oral films.

Mechanical Properties and Tribological Behavior of MoS2-Enhanced Cellulose-Based Biocomposites for Food Packaging.

Synthetic polymers are the most commonly used polymers in daily life. Therefore, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly polymers. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a potential candidate for a biopolymer, owing to its unique properties. However, HPMC biopolymers have some disadvantages compared to synthetic polymers. In this study, the mechanical properties and tribological performance of MoS2 additive-enhanced cellulose matrix biocomposites were investigated in order to improve the properties of HPMC. MoS2 was incorporated into the HPMC matrix as a strengthening additive. The mechanical properties, bonding, and water vapor permeability of the composites were analyzed. The mechanical and vapor barrier properties of the HPMC films were significantly enhanced. The ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the composite films increased with the addition of up to 1 wt% MoS2. The water vapor permeability of HPMC films reduced when additives were incorporated. The wear test proves that the MoS2 additives can improve the tribological performance of the HPMC composite while reducing the friction coefficient. The main reason for enhanced tribological performance is the improvement in load capacity of the composite coating by the MoS2 additive. This MoS2/HPMC biocomposite can be used in food packaging.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Effect on Mechanical, Barrier, and Optical Properties of HPMC-Based Edible Film

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been explored for controlling food spoilage microorganism. ZnO NPs were prepared by wet chemical synthesis using zinc nitrate as a precursor and sodium hydroxide as reducing agent. Nanorods and hexagonal plate shape ZnO NPs were obtained for different reaction time of 2 h and 24 h, respectively. Effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as capping material on the morphology, size distribution, and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles was studied by FESEM, TEM, DLS, UV-visible spectroscopy, and XRD analyses. Results showed that HPMC as capping material prevent the agglomeration of nanoparticles during synthesis and maintained uniformity in ZnO NPs size. Strong antimicrobial activity of prepared ZnO NPs was observed and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for food application was determined. MIC for Staphylococcus aureus was 0.5 mg/ml. For Penicillium expansum 1 mg/ml showed approximately 80% inhibition and 2 mg/ml concentration showed 95% inhibition at the twelfth day for all ZnO NPs. HPMC-ZnO bio-nanocomposite films, prepared by incorporating capped ZnO NPs in HPMC biopolymer, showed improved mechanical and barrier properties and decreased transparency of film. Results showed that capped ZnO NPs obtained from 24 h reaction time were more effective in improving the barrier properties of HPMC film.

Preparation of pH-sensitive food packaging film based on konjac glucomannan and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose incorporated with mulberry extract

A pH-sensitive food packaging film was prepared based on konjac glucomannan (KGM) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) incorporated with mulberry extracts22Mulberry extracts is defined as MBE. (MBE). FT-IR and XRD analysis revealed that there are good molecular interactions among the three components. The incorporation of MBE into KGM and HPMC (KH) films can significantly improve the mechanical properties and UV resistance. Notably, the KH-MBE-20% film almost completely blocked UV light in the range of 200–600 nm. The best antioxidant and antibacterial properties were obtained when the addition of MBE in the composite film was 20%. In addition, KH-MBE film has good responsiveness to buffers with pH range from 2 to 12. In visual monitoring experiments using the film on fresh fish, the color of the KH-MBE film changed from purple to gray to yellow as the freshness of the fish decreased, and the KH-MBE-20% film had the best color stability. Therefore, intelligent packaging of KH-MBE film has potential applications in real-time monitoring of fish freshness.

Transdermal Patches for Delivery of Beta-Blockers

Abstract Transdermal matrices containing 1.258 mg/cm2 of propranolol and consisting of ethylcellulose (EC), castor oil, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or halloysite (HA) were prepared. They were evaluated by tests such as folding endurance, moisture content and absorption, and paddle dissolution test. Of the total amount of propranolol in the samples (20 mg), 28.41% ± 3.30% was released from the EC film after 24 hours, the addition of HA 20.94% ± 1.52% (f1 = 61.82 ± 7.70, f2 = 53.61 ± 4.25) or HPMC 36.05% ± 6.18% (f1 = 34.48 ± 8.79, f2 = 65.02 ± 5.33). The dissolution profiles of HA and HPMC films were compared with each other (f1 = 51.35 ± 12.56, f2 = 59.20 ± 9.43).

Embedding Silver Nanowires into a Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Film for Flexible Electrochromic Devices with High Electromechanical Stability.

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) based on silver nanowires (AgNWs) are becoming one of the best candidates in realizing flexible optoelectronic devices. The AgNW-based TCF is usually prepared by coating AgNWs on a transparent polymer film; however, the coated AgNWs easily detach from the polymer underneath because of the weak adhesion between them. Herein, a network of AgNWs is embedded in the transparent hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose film, which has a strong adhesion with the AgNWs. The obtained TCF shows high optical transmittance (>85%), low roughness (rms = 4.8 ± 0.5 nm), and low haze (<0.2%). More importantly, owing to the embedding structure and strong adhesion, this TCF also shows excellent electromechanical stability, which is superior to the reported ones. Employing this TCF in a flexible electrochromic device, the obtained device exhibits excellent cyclic electromechanical stability and high coloring efficiency. Our work demonstrates a promising TCF with superior electromechanical stability for future applications in flexible optoelectronics.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or soy protein isolate‐based edible, water‐soluble, and antioxidant films for safflower oil packaging

Edible, water-soluble, heat-sealable, and antioxidant films were developed from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or soy protein isolate (SPI) and applied as safflower oil packaging. A 0.1 or 0.2% DL-α-tocopherol acetate (VE) and 0 or 0.25% oleic acid were added into film formulations to provide antioxidant and hydrophobic properties, respectively, using a 23 factorial design. Films were analyzed for appearance, microstructure, water and oil sensitivity, mechanical properties, and antioxidant functionality. Subsequently, a completely randomized design was implemented for incorporating 2, 4, or 6% cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, w/w dry weight polymer) for improving film mechanical and barrier properties. HPMC-based films achieved full dissolution in water at <55 °Cunder 5min, while SPI-based films disintegrated in water up to 90 °C. Oleic acid significantly increased (P <0.05) heat sealability of SPI film from 78 to 143N/m and elongation at break from 36% to 88%, but decreased tensile strength and heat sealability of HPMC films by 55% and 41%, respectively. As safflower oil packaging, after 60 days of storage at 35 °C, oil contained in SPI-based pouch had the lowest peroxide values, 8.1 ± 0.9mEq/kg. Based on barrier, mechanical, and antioxidant capacity evaluations, HPMC film with 0.1% VE and SPI film with 0.25% oleic acid and 0.1% VE were incorporated with CNC. SPI/CNC films did not show observable trends, but HPMC/2% CNC film exhibited significantly improved mechanical and barrier properties, with oxygen permeability of 5.0mL mm/m2 day kPa. The developed films are a promising packaging alternative to decrease plastic waste, extend shelf life of lipid-based foods, and increase consumer convenience. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Individually packaged, single-use pouches of sauce or oil are common for seasoning instant and frozen foods, creating unnecessary plastic waste. Edible, water-soluble packaging with antioxidant functionality would reduce plastic waste, extend shelf life by preventing oxidation, and increase consumer convenience. The biopolymeric films and pouches developed in this study have unique properties from water solubility across a wide range of temperatures, resistance to oil, high oxygen barrier, and good heat sealability, providing a variety of potential applications for promoting sustainable food packaging.

Electro-Hydrodynamic Drop-on-Demand Printing of Aqueous Suspensions of Drug Nanoparticles.

We demonstrate the ability to fabricate dosage forms of a poorly water-soluble drug by using wet stirred media milling of a drug powder to produce an aqueous suspension of nanoparticles and then print it onto a porous biocompatible film. Contrary to conventional printing technologies, a deposited material is pulled out from the nozzle. This feature enables printing highly viscous materials with a precise control over the printed volume. Drug (griseofulvin) nanosuspensions prepared by wet media milling were printed onto porous hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films prepared by freeze-drying. The drug particles retained crystallinity and polymorphic form in the course of milling and printing. The versatility of this technique was demonstrated by printing the same amount of nanoparticles onto a film with droplets of different sizes. The mean drug content (0.19–3.80 mg) in the printed films was predicted by the number of droplets (5–100) and droplet volume (0.2–1.0 µL) (R2 = 0.9994, p-value < 10−4). Our results also suggest that for any targeted drug content, the number-volume of droplets could be modulated to achieve acceptable drug content uniformity. Analysis of the model-independent difference and similarity factors showed consistency of drug release profiles from films with a printed suspension. Zero-order kinetics described the griseofulvin release rate from 1.8% up to 82%. Overall, this study has successfully demonstrated that the electro-hydrodynamic drop-on-demand printing of an aqueous drug nanosuspension enables accurate and controllable drug dosing in porous polymer films, which exhibited acceptable content uniformity and reproducible drug release.

Development of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/sodium alginate blend active film incorporated with Dracocephalum moldavica L. essential oil for food preservation

The present study aimed to fabrication and characterization the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films containing different concentrations of sodium alginate (0.5, 1, and 3% v/v) and Dracocephalum moldavica L. essential oil (DEO; 1, 3 and 5% v/v) as a biodegradable active packaging system. FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction of alginate groups with the hydroxyl group of HPMC. SEM images indicated that the addition of alginate decreased the size and number of the cracks. As a result, the incorporation of alginate and DEO significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved the water barrier properties of films and the lowest values of water vapor permeability (.38 × 10-10 g/m.h.Pa), moisture content (6.30 ± 0.08%) and water solubility (29.49 ± 0.04%) were related to the sample containing 1.5% alginate and 5% DEO. Additionally, blending with alginate significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved the mechanical properties of the films and the blended film sample with 0.5% alginate showed the highest tensile strength (16.13 MPa). The blend films showed high thickness and whiteness Index. Also, the antioxidant activity of the films was enhanced by incorporation DEO and the highest DPPH scavenging activity (74.58 ± 2.31%) was attributed to the samples incorporated with 5% DEO. In conclusion, the fabricated blend film showed considerable potential for active food packaging.

Upcycling Microbial Cellulose Scraps into Nanowhiskers with Engineered Performance as Fillers in All-Cellulose Composites.

Cellulose is everywhere and renovates in nature continuously and rapidly, while petroleum does not. Unlike the latter, cellulose biodegrades and may represent a carbon sink. Inspired by the multiscale architecture of cellulose, we report on all-cellulose composites comprising cellulose ether as a matrix and highly pure bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) as fillers. Optimum performance as a packaging material was achieved by engineering BCNC surface chemistry as well as the filler-in-matrix dispersion, targeting the replacement of unsustainable, fossil-derived plastics intended for single-use applications. Cost could pose a hurdle, eliminated through the valorization of underutilized scraps from industrial operations, which is also in line with the circular bioeconomy in terms of the integral use of biomass. As far as performance, the optically transparent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films presented improved tensile strength (from 61 ± 6 to 86 ± 9 MPa) and Young's modulus (from 1.5 ± 0.2 to 2.7 ± 0.4 GPa) while reduced elongation at break (from 15 ± 2 to 12 ± 2%) and water vapor permeability (from 0.40 ± 0.02 to 0.31 ± 0.01 g mm h-1 m-2 kPa-1) when filled with only 5 wt % of (120 ± 31) nm long, (13 ± 3) nm wide, 88% crystalline BCNC. This dual, win-win effect of BCNCs on the mechanical and barrier properties of HPMC films was enabled by a suitable dispersion state, achieved via high-energy mixing, and quenched by casting. This study adds to the current literature on all-cellulose composites and helps pave the route for the technical and economical feasibilities of replacing non-renewable, non-biodegradable plastics in short-term applications by materials that are both renewable and biodegradable, that are also produced through green protocols and isolated from surplus biomass, and that still perform similarly or even better.

Enhancing the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Cellulose Nanocomposites with Aluminum Nanoadditives.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a common hydrophilic and biodegradable polymer that can form films. This study incorporated aluminum nanoadditives as an enhancement reagent into a HPMC matrix. Mechanical properties of nanocompoistes, including the tensile strength and the elastic modulus, were analyzed with a nano-tensile tester. The incorporation of additives in HPMC films significantly enhances their mechanical and film barrier properties. Evidence of bonding between the additive and matrix was observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer analysis. The additives occupy the spaces in the pores of the matrix, which increases the tendency of the pore to collapse and improves the chemical bonding between the base material and the additives. The incorporation of excess additives decreases the tensile strength due to ineffective collisions between the additives and the matrix. The wear test proves that the addition of nano-additives can improve the tribology performance of the HPMC composite while reducing the wear volume and the friction. Bonding between the nanoadditives and the matrix does not help release the nanoadditives into the wear interface as a third-body layer. The main reason to enhance the tribology performance is that the nanoadditives improve the load-capacity of the composite coating. This hybrid composite can be useful in many sustainability applications.

Effect of bovine bone collagen and nano-TiO2 on the properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) film containing bovine bone collagen (BC) and nano-TiO2 were developed via casting method. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and their mechanical properties, barrier properties, thermal stability and surface color were investigated. The results showed that polymer matrices of HPMC and BC had good compatibility. The nano-TiO2 could be well embedded and dispersed in the matrix of HPMC/BC films, resulting in homogeneous, continuous and compact structure of the composite films. The addition of BC and nano-TiO2 significantly (p < .05) changed the surface color parameters of the films (p < .05). In addition, the introduction of BC and nano-TiO2 had a positive effect on the improvement of mechanical properties, barrier properties and thermal stability of the HPMC based films. The results suggest that HPMC based films containing BC and nano-TiO2 are more suitable for active packaging in the food industry.

Preparation of stable biopolymer composite suspension with metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a kind of biopolymer that is biodegradable, environmentally friendly and possesses exceptional mechanical and tribological properties. Therefore, it could be used as a suitable alternative to plastic. However, HPMC deforms easily when subjected to loads, causing higher real contact area and adhesive force between HPMC and grinding counter. Therefore, HPMC films are easily damaged because of adhesive wear, which negatively affects wear resistance. Hence, nanoparticles (NPs) of Al, Cu, Al2O3 and CuO have been used as fillers to increase the wear resistance of the HPMC composite films. The uniform dispersion of NPs in the suspension is the most important factor, which is greatly related to the wear resistance after film formation. Nanosuspensions with various dispersant concentrations were prepared, and mixed with the HPMC solution to prepare composite solutions and composite films. The results showed that Span 80 could provide steric stabilization, and that it dispersed the NPs effectively in suspension. After mixing the suspension with the HPMC solution, the solution became more stable.

In situ microemulsion-gel obtained from bioadhesive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films for transdermal administration of zidovudine

This study aims to develop in situ microemulsion-gel (ME-Gel) obtained from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films for transdermal administration of Zidovudine (AZT). Firstly, HPMC films containing propylene glycol (PG) and eucalyptus oil (EO) were obtained and characterized. Later, a pseudo-ternary phase diagram composed of water, EO, tween 80 and PG was obtained and one microemulsion (ME) with a similar proportion of the film components was obtained. ME was transformed in ME-Gel by the incorporation of HPMC. Finally, HPMC films were hydrated with Tween 80 solution to yield in situ ME-Gel and its effect on AZT skin permeation was compared with HPMC film hydrated with water (F5hyd). The results showed that the ME and ME-Gel presented a droplet size of 16.79 and 122.13 μm, respectively, polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.39 and pH between 5.10 and 5.40. The incorporation of HPMC resulted in viscosity about 2 times higher than the use of ME. The presence of AZT did not alter the formulation properties. The in situ ME-Gel promoted a two-fold increase in the permeated amount of AZT compared to F5hyd. The results suggest that it was possible to obtain an ME-Gel in situ from HPMC films and that its effect on transdermal permeation of AZT was significant.

Preparation and tribological studies of stearic acid-modified biopolymer coating

Adding fatty acids to cellulose derivatives can effectively improve the hydrophobicity and surface energy of materials and decrease the microscale coefficient of friction. In this research, stearic acid (SA) and the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) solution were mixed to prepare HPMC/SA composite films. The SA molecules formed crystals distributed within the HPMC film, thus increasing the surface roughness and surface wettability. The intermolecular interaction between HPMC and SA causes the formation of micelles. SEM images of the wear marks indicate that SA debris generated during wear as a third body. Third-body layer provide load capacity during wear and reduces direct contact between the grinding object and the HPMC coating, reducing friction coefficient and wear effectively. It is considered the dominate wear mechanism of HPMC/SA composite under macroscopic wear.

Glassy state molecular mobility and its relationship to the physico-mechanical properties of plasticized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films

Changes in tensile properties and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of plasticized polymer films are typically attributed to molecular mobility, often with no empirical data to support such an assertion. Herein solvent cast HPMC films containing varying amounts of PEG, as the plasticizer, were used to assess the dependence of tensile properties and the Tg on glassy state molecular mobility. Molecular mobility (molecular relaxation time and temperature) parameters were determined by Thermally Stimulated Current Spectroscopy (TSC). The tensile properties and Tg of the HPMC films were determined by texture analysis and DSC, respectively. Molecular mobilities detected by TSC were cooperative and occurred at temperatures (Tg′) well below (113 to 127 °C) the bulk Tg. The relaxation times (τ) were 71 ± 1, 46 ± 1, 42 ± 1, 36 ± 1 and 29 ± 1 s for HPMC films containing 0, 6, 8, 11 and 17% (w/w) PEG, respectively. The Tg and glassy state molecular mobility were found to be intimately linked and demonstrated a linear dependence. While tensile strength was found to be linearly related to molecular relaxation time, tensile elongation and elastic modulus exhibited a non-linear dependence on molecular mobility. The data presented in this work demonstrates the complex nature of the relationship between plasticizer content, molecular mobility, Tg and tensile properties for plasticized polymeric films. It highlights the fact that the dependence of the bulk physico-mechanical properties on glassy state molecular mobility, differ greatly. Therefore, empirical characterization of molecular mobility is important to fully understand and predict the thermo-mechanical behavior of plasticized polymer films. This work demonstrates the unique capability of TSC to provide key information relating to molecular mobility and its influence on the bulk properties of materials. Data generated using TSC could prove useful for stability and performance ranking, in addition to the ability to predict materials behavior using data generated at or below typical storage conditions in the pharmaceutical, food, and polymer industries.