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
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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.