Comparative Evaluation of Polymers for Fabrication of Mucoadhesive Tablets: Impact on Mucoadhesion Properties and In-vitro Drug Release
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902026e24818Keywords:
Mucoadhesive tablets, Drug release, Mucoadhesion properties, PolymersAbstract
This study explores the effect of various polymers on drug release and mucoadhesion, using miconazole asa model drug. Tablets were prepared with polymers such as Eudragit RS, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC), carbomer 940, cress seed gum (CSG), basil seed gum (BSG), carrageenan (CAR), andguar gum (GG). All formulations were assessed for physicochemical properties, with additionaltests carried out on selected formulations. In group A, formulations containing BSG and hydrophilicpolymers such as HPMC or carbomer revealed limited drug release but favorable mucoadhesion.However, formulation F5, with Eudragit RS (a hydrophobic polymer) and BSG, demonstrated optimalperformance. In group B, CAR-based tablets presented poor adhesion and release, while GG-containingformulations had adequate mucoadhesion but insufficient drug release. Thus, tablets containing BSGand CSG were subjected to further tests thanks to their acceptable mucoadhesion and release. Finally,formulation F5 was found as the most promising, releasing over 96% of the drug over 12 hours,following Higuchi kinetics and non-Fickian release. It also indicated a mucoadhesive strength of16.3±0.6 grams and remained attached for over 12 hours. In conclusion, Eudragit RS combined withmucoadhesive polymers offers potential for prolonged drug release. Further, BSG, with improvedmucoadhesion properties, serves as a promising candidate for mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.
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