Mucoadhesive films based on gellan gum/pectin blends as potential platform for buccal drug delivery

Abstract

Films of gellan gum:pectin blends were prepared by solvent casting method. Gellan gum:pectin mass ratios were varied (4:1; 1:1; 1:4) at different concentrations (3% or 4%) and glycerol was used as plasticizer (1 or 2%). The films were thin (18–30 µm), translucent, flexible, and homogeneous. The surface pH was suitable for buccal application. All films reached high mechanical resistance and the mucoadhesive ability of them was evidenced. High ratio of gellan gum improved the mechanical resistance and the mucoadhesion of the films as well as the control of drug release rates. The films did not disintegrate in simulate saliva up to 24 h and curcumin release could be sustained up to 12 h. The set of data evidence that the films designed in this work represent a potential platform for buccal drug delivery.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Solvent casting method
• swelling ability
• mechanical properties
• water vapor permeability
• mucoadhesion
• controlled release

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Beatriz Cury, Ingrid Müller and Marlus Chorilli for the work supervision, Fabíola Prezotti and Izabel Siedle for the analyses execution, collected and analyzed data, and Fernanda Boni for the results discussion. All the authors were involved in the manuscript writing and revision.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest and all agree with the article publication.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are thankful to São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Brazil) Grant# 2011/16847-7 and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Brazil) Grant#23038.039439/2008-66 for providing financial and structural support to develop this work. This study is part of the National Institute of Science and Technology in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: a transdisciplinary approach INCT-NANOFARMA, which is supported by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Brazil) Grant #2014/50928-2, and by “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico” (CNPq, Brazil) Grant # 465687/2014-8.