Investigation of Surface Properties and Free Volumes of Chitosan-Based Buccal Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Films Containing Ascorbic Acid

Abstract

Nowadays, the buccal administration of mucoadhesive films is very promising. Our aim was to prepare ascorbic acid-containing chitosan films to study the properties and structures important for applicability and optimize the composition. During the formulation of mucoadhesive films, chitosan as the polymer basis of the film was used. Ascorbic acid, which provided the acidic pH, was used in different concentrations (2–5%). The films were formulated by the solvent casting method. The properties of films important for applicability were investigated, such as physical parameters, mucoadhesive force, surface free energy, and breaking strength. The fine structure of the films was analyzed by atomic force microscopy, and the free volume was analyzed by PALS, which can be important for drug release kinetics and the location of the drug in the film. The applicability of the optimized composition was also tested with two different types of active ingredients. The structure of the films was also analyzed by XRPD and FTIR. Ascorbic acid can be used well in chitosan films, where it can function as a permeation enhancer when reacting to chitosan, it is biodegradable, and can be applied in 2% of our studies.

Chitosan‐Based Films in Drug Delivery Applications

“…Ascorbic acid crosslinked chitosan films were employed by Kristó et al. [ 118 ] for the buccal administration of cationic and anionic drugs. The cationic drug cetirizine hydrochloride and anionic diclofenac were used for the study.…”

“…[116] Controlled release of salicylic acid from chitosan polylactic acid blended film was investigated and found that the release was influenced by the ratio of chitosan and PLA, hydrophobic nature of chitosan and the complex formed between the drug and chitosan. [117] Ascorbic acid crosslinked chitosan films were employed by Kristó et al [118] for the buccal administration of cationic and anionic drugs. The cationic drug cetirizine hydrochloride and anionic diclofenac were used for the study.…”

Electrospun Mucoadhesive Zein/PVP Fibroporous Membrane for Transepithelial Delivery of Propranolol Hydrochloride

“…Kristóet al lately investigated ascorbic acid-loaded chitosan-based solvent cast films for buccal adhesive drug delivery. 9 Different varieties of mucoadhesive drug formulations have been developed and marketed, including adhesive tablets, gels, lozenges, films, patches, and so forth. Solvent casting, 10 freeze drying, 11 additive manufacturing, 12 and electrospinning 13 Fibroporous mucoadhesive patches take additional advantage of increased adhesion due to porosity, 14 a large exposed surface area, 15 and patient convenience due to a small size and thickness.…”

“…Swelling of PVP in contact with wet mucosal tissue causes dehydration of the mucus layer and thus causes intimate adhesion between PVP and mucin glycoprotein. Kristó et al lately investigated ascorbic acid-loaded chitosan-based solvent cast films for buccal adhesive drug delivery . Different varieties of mucoadhesive drug formulations have been developed and marketed, including adhesive tablets, gels, lozenges, films, patches, and so forth.…”