Rifampicin-Loaded Alginate-Gelatin Fibers Incorporated within Transdermal Films as a Fiber-in-Film System for Wound Healing Applications

The various biological and molecular cascades including different stages or phases such as inflammation, tissue proliferation, and remodeling phases, which significantly define the wound healing process. The natural matrix system is suggested to increase and sustain these cascades. Biocompatible biopolymers, sodium alginate and gelatin, and a drug (Rifampicin) were used for the preparation of fibers into a physical crosslinking solution using extrusion-gelation. The formed fibers were then loaded in transdermal films for wound healing applications. Rifampicin, an antibiotic, antibacterial agent was incorporated into fibers and afterwards the fibers were loaded into transdermal films. Initially, rifampicin fibers were developed using biopolymers including alginate and gelatin, and were further loaded into polymeric matrix which led to the formation of transdermal films. The transdermal films were coded as TF1, TF2, TF3 and TF4.The characterization technique, FTIR, was used to describe molecular transitions within fibers, transdermal films, and was further corroborated using SEM and XRD. In mechanical properties, the parameters, such as tensile strength and elongation-at-break (extensibility), were found to be ranged between 2.32 ± 0.45 N/mm2 to 14.32 ± 0.98 N/mm2 and 15.2% ± 0.98% to 30.54% ± 1.08%. The morphological analysis firmed the development of fibers and fiber-loaded transdermal films. Additionally, physical evaluation such as water uptake study, water transmission rate, swelling index, moisture content, and moisture uptake study were executed to describe comparative interpretation of the formulations developed. In vivo studies were executed using a full thickness cutaneous wound healing model, the transdermal films developed showed higher degree of contraction, i.e., 98.85% ± 4.04% as compared to marketed formulation (Povidone). The fiber-in-film is a promising delivery system for loading therapeutic agents for effective wound care management.

Formulation Development of Rotigotine Transdermal System Using Dot-Matrix Technology

The purpose of this research was to prepare and evaluate drug-in-adhesive type patches of rotigotine using dot-matrix technology, which is the new generation of drug-in-adhesive transdermal delivery system (TDS) that deliver drug therapy through less patch surface area and without compromising adhesion. Preformulation studies, like solubility in permeation enhancers, compatibility study, transmission study, uptake study, and crystallization study of rotigotine in various pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) polymers were performed. Transdermal system was prepared by solvent casting method. Central composite design (CCD) was chosen for optimization of the formulation. Design of experiment (DoE) was used to study the impact of critical formulation parameters, like silicone adhesive concentration, povidone K29/32 concentration, and propylene glycol concentration. Crystallization study of rotigotine in different PSAs suggested that crystal inhibitor is required to load drugs above 5%. Selection of optimum batch was made using a constraint-based graphical optimization technique. The optimum batch exhibited desired in vitro adhesion parameters, like peel, tack, shear, and permeation rate, which is suitable for 3 days’ wear properties and desired permeation rate. The optimum batch was evaluated for appearance, weight of matrix, thickness, % assay of drug content, in vitro adhesion testing, cold flow study, and ex vivo skin permeation studies. Backing film Scotchpak 9730 and release liner Scotchpak-1022 was selected based on transmission and uptake study of rotigotine. Stability study indicates that developed formulation remains stable. The present research confirms the feasibility of developing rotigotine transdermal system using novel technology.