Development of a buccal mucoadhesive film for fast dissolution: Mathematical rationale, production and physicochemical characterization

Abstract

The validity of a mathematical rationale for preparation of a fast-dissolving buccal mucoadhesive was tested. A buccal mucoadhesive biopolymeric formulation has been developed having pullulan as the main component. The formulation was duly evaluated physicochemically, via assays for intrinsic viscosity (resulting in 71.61 cm3 g-1), differential scanning calorimetry analysis (resulting in a Tg = 63 °C), thermogravimetric analysis (244-341 °C), moisture content determinations (14%, w/w), dissolution timeframe (41.6 s), mucoadhesion force (40 kg/cm2), scanning electron microscopy analyses (critical ray under 1.0 μm), mechanic strength (tensile strength = 58 N/mm2, deformation = 4.4%). The mucoadhesive formulation exhibited important characteristics for a drug carrier, that is, a 6 cm2 area, a fast dissolution timeframe, an adequate mucoadhesivity, resistance to both oxygen and water vapor penetration, increased viscosity in solution (ranging from 33.2 cm3/g to 71.61 cm3/g), easy molding, suitable water solubility and transparency.