Enhanced In Situ Availability of Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Constituents Entrapped in Buccal Films for the Treatment of Oxidative Stress-Related Oral Diseases: Biomechanical Characterization and In Vitro/Ex Vivo Evaluation

Abstract

In recent years, the key role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of oral diseases has been emphasized and the use of antioxidant agents has been encouraged. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a unicellular blue-green alga with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was the formulation and characterization of mucoadhesive thin layer films loaded with AFA, finalized to the treatment of oxidative stress (OS)-related oral diseases. First, to enhance the bioavailability of AFA constituents, the raw food grade material was appropriately treated by a high frequency homogenization able to disrupt cell walls. Thus, Eudragit® E100-based buccal films were produced by the solvent casting method, containing 7% and 18% of AFA. The films, characterized by uniformity in thickness, weight, and drug content, showed low swelling degree, good muco-adhesiveness and controlled drug release. The mechanical tests showed elastic moduli of films of almost 5 MPa that is well-suitable for human buccal applications without discomfort, besides biaxial tests highlighted a marked material isotropy. Permeation studies through porcine mucosae demonstrated the ability of films to promote AFA penetration in the tissues, and when sublingually administered, they produced a drug flux up to six-fold higher than an AFA solution. The new formulations represent an interesting alternative for the development of cosmetics and nutraceuticals with a functional appeal containing plant extracts.

Effects of Sucrose Palmitate on the Physico-Chemical and Mucoadhesive Properties of Buccal Films

“…The solvent casting method was used for the preparation of the films on the Teflon surface. This method is widespread and easy to apply to the production of buccal films [ 23 ]. Two different temperatures were used for the preparation of the solutions and drying: 25 °C and 50 °C, 65% relative humidity (RH) over 24 h.…”

Development of a Multifunctional Bioerodible Nanocomposite Containing Metronidazole and Curcumin to Apply on L-PRF Clot to Promote Tissue Regeneration in Dentistry

“…Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K90) is one of the most utilized pharmaceutical polymers for its chemical and biological inertia. It has been shown to have an excellent affinity with mucins and a capability of forming solid matrix systems (e.g., films, tablets, discs) with enhanced mucoadhesive properties [ 54 , 55 , 56 ]. In addition, Trehalose (α-D-glucopyranosyl-α-D-glucopyranoside, TRH) a hydrophilic and biocompatible sugar as a cryoprotective agent, was added.…”

Amorphous Ropinirole-Loaded Mucoadhesive Buccal Film: A Potential Patient-Friendly Tool to Improve Drug Pharmacokinetic Profile and Effectiveness

“…Indeed, this case is characterized by small amounts of liquid and non-sink conditions. For these reasons, in the present study, drug-release studies were performed using a flow-cell system able to simulate the buccal conditions and, in particular, the salivary turnover in the oral environment [ 25 ].…”

“…Film dissolution in simulated salivary fluid (pH 6.8) was assessed using the flow-through system previously described [ 25 ]. Briefly, the system consists of a beaker containing simulated saliva (100 mL) thermostated at 37 °C, from which the liquid is forced into a Plexiglass release chamber by a peristaltic pump (Bio-Rad Econo Pump, Hercules, CA, USA).…”