3D Printed Buccal Films for Prolonged-Release of Propranolol Hydrochloride: Development, Characterization and Bioavailability Prediction

Gelatin-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and gelatin-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) mucoadhesive buccal films loaded with propranolol hydrochloride (PRH) were prepared by semi-solid extrusion 3D printing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the synthetic polymers PVP and PVA on thermal and mechanical properties and drug release profiles of gelatin-based films. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that hydrogen bonding between gelatin and PVP formed during printing. In the other blend, neither the esterification of PVA nor gelatin occurred. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed the presence of partial helical structures. In line with these results, the mechanical properties and drug release profiles were different for each blend. Formulation with gelatin-PVP and PRH showed higher tensile strength, hardness, and adhesive strength but slower drug release than formulation with gelatin-PVA and PRH. The in silico population simulations indicated increased drug bioavailability and decreased inter-individual variations in the resulting pharmacokinetic profiles compared to immediate-release tablets. Moreover, the simulation results suggested that reduced PRH daily dosing can be achieved with prolonged-release buccal films, which improves patient compliance.

Characterization of bilayered matrix-type mucoadhesive buccal films containing tizanidine hydrochloride and piroxicam

Purpose: To formulate and characterize tizanidine hydrochloride (TZN) and piroxicam (PRX)-loaded bilayer mucoadhesive buccal films with an intention to improve the bioavailability and patient compliance in pain management.Methods: Bilayer buccal films were prepared by solvent evaporation technique using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 15cps and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30 as immediate release (IR) layer forming polymers and HPMC K15 M, PVP K 90 along with various muco adhesive polymers (Carbopol P934, sodium alginate, etc), as sustained release (SR) layer forming polymers. The prepared films werecharacterized for thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, surface pH, swelling index,mucoadhesive strength, in vitro residence time, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation and drug release kinetics.Results: The prepared films were of largely uniform thickness, weight and drug content. Moisture loss (%) and folding endurance were satisfactory. Surface pH was compatible with salivary fluid. Disintegration time was 85 s for F1 and 115 s for F2 of IR films. In vitro dissolution studies showed 99.12 ± 1.2 % (F1) and 90.36 ± 1.8 % (F2) were released in 45 min. Based on the above results, F1 was chosen as the optimum formulation to be combined with SR layer of TZN. Amongst the SR layers of TZN in vitro drug release. The findings show that of F2 was 98.38 ± 0.82 % and correlated with ex vivo release. Drug release followed zero order release kinetics and mechanism of drug release was non-Fickian type diffusion. In vitro residence time was greater than 5 h.Conclusion: The findings show that the bilayer buccal films demonstrate the dual impact of deliveringPRX instantly from the IR layer, with good controlled release and permeation of TZN from the SR layer, thus providing enhanced therapeutic efficacy, drug bioavailability and patient compliance.

Development and Evaluation of Trans Buccal Patches based on Natural and Synthetic Polymers Loaded with Rivastigmine using Solvent Casting Technique

Mucoadhesive buccal films of rivastigmine were prepared by the solvent casting technique using HPMC K15M, sodium alginate, glycerine, and Eudragit RL100. Arranged films assessed for weight variation, thickness, % drug substance, % moisture loss, % moisture take-up, folding endurance, in-vitro medicament release, and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The films showed a controlled release (CR) over 8 h. The preparation observed to be a worthy candidate for the development of buccal patches for therapeutic purposes. Drug-polymer compatibility considers FTIR demonstrated no contradiction between the medicament and the polymers. The optimized formulation found F7 indicated drug release 85% at the end of 8 h. Thinking about the correlation coefficient (R2) values got from the kinetic equations, the drug release from the formulations F1-F8 has discovered zero-order release mechanism. It can be concluded that oral buccal patches of rivastigmine, for treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, can be formulated. The study suggests that rivastigmine can be conveniently administered orally in the form of buccal patches, with the lesser occurrence of its side effects and improved bioavailability.

Formulation and Bioavailability of Novel Mucoadhesive Buccal Films for Candesartan Cilexetil in Rats

Candesartan cilexetil (CC) is an antihypertensive drug. It has low solubility and faces hepatic first-pass metabolism after oral ingestion. We formulated bioadhesive buccal films and studied the respective drug pharmacokinetics. Different bioadhesive films were prepared (40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 mg CC per film) by using the solvent casting method. The drug concentrations used affect the drug entrapment mechanism, which was reflected in the film physicochemical properties like thickness, weight, drug content, bioadhesion, and drug release. Low drug concentration (F2, 40 mg per film) led to minute drug crystal dispersion while increasing the drug concentration (F7, 240 mg per film) showed drug crystal encapsulation, which affects the drug release. The drug pharmacokinetic from the prepared films was studied compared to the oral form by serial blood sampling via an inserted catheter in the carotid of rats. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography assay was used to measure the plasma concentration of CC in different forms. Compared to other films, the F2 showed the highest maximal concentration (Cmax) and the lowest elimination half-life (t1/2). Bioadhesion buccal film of CC has better bioavailability, especially at low concentrations. The ease, robustness, and ruggedness of the preparation suggests the same procedure for drugs like CC.

An Updated Overview of the Emerging Role of Patch and Film-Based Buccal Delivery Systems

Buccal mucosal membrane offers an attractive drug-delivery route to enhance both systemic and local therapy. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of buccal drug delivery, anatomical and physiological aspects of oral mucosa, and various in vitro techniques frequently used for examining buccal drug-delivery systems. The role of mucoadhesive polymers, penetration enhancers, and enzyme inhibitors to circumvent the formulation challenges particularly due to salivary renovation cycle, masticatory effect, and limited absorption area are summarized. Biocompatible mucoadhesive films and patches are favored dosage forms for buccal administration because of flexibility, comfort, lightness, acceptability, capacity to withstand mechanical stress, and customized size. Preparation methods, scale-up process and manufacturing of buccal films are briefed. Ongoing and completed clinical trials of buccal film formulations designed for systemic delivery are tabulated. Polymeric or lipid nanocarriers incorporated in buccal film to resolve potential formulation and drug-delivery issues are reviewed. Vaccine-enabled buccal films have the potential ability to produce both antibodies mediated and cell mediated immunity. Advent of novel 3D printing technologies with built-in flexibility would allow multiple drug combinations as well as compartmentalization to separate incompatible drugs. Exploring new functional excipients with potential capacity for permeation enhancement of particularly large-molecular-weight hydrophilic drugs and unstable proteins, oligonucleotides are the need of the hour for rapid advancement in the exciting field of buccal drug delivery.

Development and Optimisation of Mucoadhesive Films for Enhanced Drug Delivery in Treatment of Lichen Planus

Introduction: Mucoadhesive buccal films are most recently developed and preferred over buccal tablet because of the flexibility, better bioavailability, cost effectiveness, and good patient compliance it offers Objective: The study aimed to formulate mucoadhesive films of Clobetasol Propionate with reduced side effects, controlled release and better patient compliance, suitable for the management of oral lichen planus. Methods: Clobetasol Propionate Buccal Films were prepared by the incorporation of the Clobetasol Propionate along with polymers like Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) K4M, polyethylene glycol 400 and glycerol by solvent casting method. Results: The drug content of all the formulations was found to be 85.04% to 93.14%. The swelling index of all formulations of Clobetasol Propionate mucoadhesive buccal film was found to be 82% to 94.07%. Formulation F14 which contains Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose K4M (1%), and polyeth­ylene glycol 400 (1%) exhibited better results compared to other combination of polymers in different concentration. It showed swelling index of 94.07%. Drug content was found to be 91% and showed release of drug up to 95.05% in 12 hours. The optimised formula showed no significant changes on stability studies when stored at 40ºC/75% RH for three months. Conclusions: The application of mucoadhesive buccal film containing Clobetasol Propionate appeared to be effective, avoiding the side effects and the data obtained in the study suggested that buccal films can be successfully designed to give controlled drug delivery.