Adhesive tablet effective for treating canker sores in humans

Current Drug Delivery Strategies for Buccal Cavity Ailments using Mouth Dissolving Wafer Technology: A Comprehensive Review on the Present State of the Art

BACKGROUND

Mouth-dissolving wafer is polymer-based matrice that incorporates various pharmaceutical agents for oral drug delivery. This polymeric wafer is ingenious in the way that it needs not be administered with water, like in conventional tablet dosage form. It has better compliance among the pediatric and geriatric groups owing to its ease of administration.

OBJECTIVE

The polymeric wafer dissolves quickly in the oral cavity and is highly effective for a targeted local effect in buccal-specific ailments. It is a safe, effective, and versatile drug delivery carrier for a range of drugs used to treat a plethora of oral cavity-specific ailments that inflict common people, like thrush, canker sores, periodontal disease, benign oral cavity tumors, buccal neoplasm, and malignancies. This review paper focuses thoroughly on the present state of the art in mouth-dissolving wafer technology for buccal drug delivery and targeting. Moreover, we have also addressed present-time limitations associated with wafer technology to aid researchers in future developments in the arena of buccal drug delivery.

CONCLUSION

This dynamic novel formulation has tremendous future implications for designing drug delivery systems to target pernicious ailments and diseases specific to the buccal mucosa. In a nutshell, this review paper aims to summarize the present state of the art in buccal targeted drug delivery.

Interpolymer Complexes Based on Cellulose Ethers: Application

Interpolymer complexes based on cellulose ethers have gained significant interest in recent years due to their versatile applications. These complexes are formed by combining different polymers through non-covalent interactions, resulting in stable structures. This article provides an overview of the various fields where IPCs based on cellulose ethers find application. IPCs based on cellulose ethers show great potential in drug delivery systems. These complexes can encapsulate drugs and enable controlled release, making them suitable for sustained drug delivery. They offer advantages in terms of precise dosage and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Coatings and adhesives also benefit from IPCs based on cellulose ethers. These complexes can form films with excellent mechanical strength and enhanced water resistance, providing durability and protection. They have applications in various industries where coatings and adhesives play a crucial role. In food packaging, IPCs based on cellulose ethers are highly relevant. These complexes can form films with effective barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor, making them ideal for packaging perishable foods. They help extend to shelf life of food products by minimizing moisture and oxygen transfer. Various methods, such as solvent casting, coacervation, and electrostatic complexation, are employed to synthesize IPCs based on cellulose ethers.

Texture analysis – a versatile tool for pharmaceutical evaluation of solid oral dosage forms

In the past few decades, texture analysis (TA) has gained importance as a valuable method for the characterization of solid oral dosage forms. As a result, an increasing number of scientific publications describe the textural methods that evaluate the extremely diverse category of solid pharmaceutical products. Within the current work, the use of texture analysis in the characterization of solid oral dosage forms is summarised with a focus on the evaluation of intermediate and finished oral pharmaceutical products. Several texture methods are reviewed regarding the applications in mechanical characterization, and mucoadhesion testing, but also in estimating the disintegration time and in vivo specific features of oral dosage forms. As there are no pharmacopoeial standards for pharmaceutical products tested through texture analysis, and there are important differences between reported results due to different experimental conditions, the choice of testing protocol and parameters is challenging. Thereby, this work aims to guide the research scientists and quality assurance professionals involved in different stages of drug development into the selection of optimal texture methodologies depending on the product characteristics and quality control needs.

Soy Protein-Based Hydrogel under Microwave-Induced Grafting of Acrylic Acid and 4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)butanoic Acid: A Potential Vehicle for Controlled Drug Delivery in Oral Cavity Bacterial Infections

The objective of this work was to evaluate grafted soy protein isolate (SPI) for pharmaceutical applications. The present work reports the microwave-assisted preparation of soy protein isolate\grafted[acrylic acid-co-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butanoic acid] [SPI-g-(AA-co-HPBA)] hydrogel via graft copolymerization using N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide and potassium persulphate as the cross-linker and initiator, respectively. The chemical and physical properties of the synthesized polymeric hydrogels were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS), nuclear magnetic resonance 1H-NMR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The SEM, TEM, and XRD analyses have confirmed the formation of hydrogel SPI-g-(AA-co-HPBA) with the network structure having a layered and crystalline surface. The SPI-g-(AA-co-HPBA) hydrogel was investigated for the sustained and controlled drug delivery system for the release of model drug ciprofloxacin at basic pH for its utilization against bacterial infection in oral cavity. The drug release profile for SPI-g-(AA-co-HPBA) hydrogels was studied using LCMS at the ppb level at pH = 7.4. The synthesized hydrogel was found to be noncytotoxic, polycrystalline in nature with a network structure having good porosity, increased thermal stability, and pH-responsive behavior. The hydrogel has potential to be used as the vehicle for controlled drug delivery in oral cavity bacterial infections.

Development of Polyethylene Glycol and Hard Fat-Based Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Various Types of Polyvinyl Alcohols as Mucoadhesive Polymers for Buccal Application

Topical drug application has the advantage of avoiding systemic side effects. We attempted to develop a long-acting matrix-type tablet containing indomethacin (IM) with low physical stimulus and potent mucoadhesive force to treat pain caused by oral aphtha. A mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hard fat was used as the tablet base. Ethylcellulose was added to the base in an attempt to control drug release. Tablets with PEG as a base were also prepared for comparison. Polyvinyl alcohols (PVAs) with various degrees of saponification were added to increase the mucoadhesive force. From the optical microscopic observations, formulations using PEG and hard fat exhibit PEG/hard fat dispersions caused by the stabilizing effects of PVA. Although the tablets using PEG and hard fat showed sufficient adhesiveness and sustained drug release, those using PEG as the base did not. Drug release was controlled by the amount of hard fat and the saponification degree of PVA. The drug release rate was most increased in a tablet containing PVA with an intermediate degree of saponification, PEG and hard fat. From differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction, IM was considered to exist in the molecular phase. From the results of buccal administration of tablets to rats, highest tissue concentrations were observed in the tablet containing PVA with the intermediate degree of saponification using PEG and hard fat, and the plasma concentrations were sufficiently low in comparison.

Preparation of mucoadhesive oral patches containing tetracycline hydrochloride and carvacrol for treatment of local mouth bacterial infections and candidiasis

The specific aim of this work was to prepare mucoadhesive patches containing tetracycline hydrochloride and carvacrol in an attempt to develop a novel oral drug delivery system for the treatment of mouth infections. The bilayered patches were prepared using ethyl cellulose as a backing layer and carbopol 934 as a matrix mucoadhesive layer. Patches were prepared with different loading amounts of tetracycline hydrochloride and carvacrol. The antimicrobial activity was assessed for the prepared patches using the disc-diffusion method against the yeast Candida albicans and five bacterial strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus bronchispti. In this work, we highlighted the possibility of occurrence of a synergistic action between carvacrol and tetracycline. The best formulation was selected based on microbiological tests, drug release, ex-vivo mucoadhesive performance, and swelling index. Physical characteristics of the selected formulations were determined. These included pH, patch thickness, weight uniformity, content uniformity, folding endurance, and patch stability.

Anhydride prodrug of ibuprofen and acrylic polymers

The objective of this study was to synthesize anhydride prodrugs for carboxylic-acid-bearing agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, shield the carboxylic acid group from irritative effects, and obtain sustained release patterns. Ibuprofen was used as a representative drug for anhydride derivatization. Conjugates of ibuprofen with carboxylic acid moieties of different acrylic polymers were prepared by dehydration reaction using acetic anhydride. Products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy followed by preparation of microspheres with different sizes from the conjugate Eudragit L-100-ibuprofen. The drug release was monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography. Ibuprofen was bound to the polymers via an anhydride bond in high reaction yields (75-95%) with drug loading of up to 30% (w/w). These anhydride derivatives hydrolyzed and release the drug at different periods ranging from 1 to 5 days, depending on the hydrophobicity and the cross-linking of the conjugates. The release of drug from the microspheres was correlated to their size and ranged from 2 to almost 8 days. This study demonstrates the promise of anhydride prodrug for extending drug action while shielding the carboxylic acid group.

Efficacy of a mucoadhesive patch compared with an oral solution for treatment of aphthous stomatitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a mucoadhesive patch compared with a pain-relieving oral solution for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis.

METHODS

Patients with active aphthous stomatitis were randomly treated either once a day with a mucoadhesive patch containing citrus oil and magnesium salts (n = 26) or three times a day with an oral solution containing benzocaine and compound benzoin tincture (n = 22). All patients were instructed to apply the medication until pain had resolved, and completed a questionnaire detailing multiple clinical parameters followed by an evaluation of the treatment.

RESULTS

The mucoadhesive patch was found to be more effective than the oral solution in terms of healing time (mean +/- SD: 36.0 +/- 22.8 hours vs 134.7 +/- 57.7, p < 0.001) and pain intensity after 12 and 24 hours (3.7 +/- 2.8 vs 6.3 +/- 2.6, p = 0.003, and 2.3 +/- 2.7 vs 5.7 +/- 2.5, p < 0.001, respectively). Local adverse effects 1 hour after treatment were significantly (p < 0.01) less frequent among the mucoadhesive patch patients compared with the oral solution patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The mucoadhesive patch was found to be significantly more effective and better tolerated than the oral solution in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis.

Mucoadhesive tablet releasing iodine for treating oral infections

Iodine complexes with ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) were prepared by immersing polymer powder in aqueous solutions of iodine. These complexes were incorporated in a mucoadhesive tablet for potential use as antimicrobial agent for treating oral infections. The release profile of iodine from the adhesive tablets was determined and the antimicrobial activity was assessed by diffusion assays using Candida albicans and Porphyromonas gingivalis cultures. Iodine was readily absorbed up to 35%w/w in the polymers. A differential scanning colorimeter (DSC) scan revealed a correlation between the endotherm peak of the complexes and the iodine content in the polymer complex. The tablets exhibited marked antifungal and antibacterial activities against the fungal/bacterial strains tested.

Citrus oil and MgCl2 as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents

BACKGROUND

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Dead Sea magnesium chloride (MgCl(2)), citrus oil, and their combination were investigated. Citrus oil is composed of monoterpenes, in particular D-limonene, which is known to inhibit growth of bacteria, fungi, and certain parasites.

METHODS

Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of a mixture of Dead Sea magnesium chloride and citrus oil and of each of the components. A subcutaneous chamber model in mice was used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the mixture and the individual components. Leukocyte migration, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion, and interleukin (IL)-10 secretion were determined. Hydrocortisone was used as a positive control.

RESULTS

Citrus oil had an antibacterial effect with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 mg/ml, whereas MgCl(2) at concentrations up to 10 mg/ml did not exhibit any antibacterial activity. However, a mixture of 10 mg/ml MgCl(2) and 0.25 mg/ml citrus oil dramatically increased inhibition of bacterial growth. The combination of MgCl(2) and the citrus oil resulted in lower levels of TNF-alpha and leukocyte migration while maintaining the levels of IL-10 compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that a mixture of citrus oil and MgCl(2) could be used as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.

Buccal bioadhesive drug delivery--a promising option for orally less efficient drugs

Rapid developments in the field of molecular biology and gene technology resulted in generation of many macromolecular drugs including peptides, proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids in great number possessing superior pharmacological efficacy with site specificity and devoid of untoward and toxic effects. However, the main impediment for the oral delivery of these drugs as potential therapeutic agents is their extensive presystemic metabolism, instability in acidic environment resulting into inadequate and erratic oral absorption. Parenteral route of administration is the only established route that overcomes all these drawbacks associated with these orally less/inefficient drugs. But, these formulations are costly, have least patient compliance, require repeated administration, in addition to the other hazardous effects associated with this route. Over the last few decades' pharmaceutical scientists throughout the world are trying to explore transdermal and transmucosal routes as an alternative to injections. Among the various transmucosal sites available, mucosa of the buccal cavity was found to be the most convenient and easily accessible site for the delivery of therapeutic agents for both local and systemic delivery as retentive dosage forms, because it has expanse of smooth muscle which is relatively immobile, abundant vascularization, rapid recovery time after exposure to stress and the near absence of langerhans cells. Direct access to the systemic circulation through the internal jugular vein bypasses drugs from the hepatic first pass metabolism leading to high bioavailability. Further, these dosage forms are self-administrable, cheap and have superior patient compliance. Developing a dosage form with the optimum pharmacokinetics is a promising area for continued research as it is enormously important and intellectually challenging. With the right dosage form design, local environment of the mucosa can be controlled and manipulated in order to optimize the rate of drug dissolution and permeation. A rational approach to dosage form design requires a complete understanding of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of the drug and excipients. Advances in experimental and computational methodologies will be helpful in shortening the processing time from formulation design to clinical use. This paper aims to review the developments in the buccal adhesive drug delivery systems to provide basic principles to the young scientists, which will be useful to circumvent the difficulties associated with the formulation design.