Development of benzalkonium chloride thin films for mucoadhesive buccal application

Abstract

Keywords: Thin films; Benzalkonium chloride; Mucoadhesive buccal; Staphylococcus aureus

Objectives: This study aims to develop thin film containing benzalkonium chloride (BzCl) for buccal adhesive applications.

Methods: Thin films were developed from various types and concentrations of polymers: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E15LVS) and polyvinylalcohol (PVA).  The effects of other ingredients (glycerine and carbopol) on films properties were also studied.  BzCl 0.1 and 1% w/w was added in the selected formulations as active ingredient.  The films were evaluated for their physical appearance, strength, elasticity, mucoadhesiveness, powder X-ray diffraction, in vitro drug release and antibacterial test against Staphylococcus aureus.

Results: Films prepared from 5% HPMC and 8% PVA with 0.5% glycerine showed the suitable properties.  HPMC films showed higher strength while PVA films showed higher elasticity, good mucoadhesion to porcine buccal mucosa was also observed (p<0.05) in both films.  Carbopol decreased the mucoadhesive property of the film (p<0.05).  There was no different in the amount of drug release from both films prepared from HPMC and PVA (p>0.05).  Films containing BzCl showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus.

Conclusion: Mucoadhesive buccal thin films containing BzCl were successfully developed. The films showed suitable mucoadhesive property and antibacterial activity.