Preparation and Characterization of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose/Polycarbophil Mucoadhesive Blend Films Using a Mixture Design Approach

Effect of Cremophor RH40, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, and Mixing Speed on Physicochemical Properties of Films Containing Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded with Furosemide Using the Box-Behnken Design

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of H-K4M hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with furosemide. A hot homogenization technique and an ultrasonic probe were used to prepare and reduce the size of the NLCs. Films were made using the casting technique. This study used a Box-Behnken design to evaluate the influence of three key independent variables, specifically H-K4M concentration (X1), surfactant Cremophor RH40 concentration (X2), and mixing speed (X3), on the physicochemical properties of furosemide-loaded NLCs and films. The furosemide-loaded NLCs had a particle size ranging from 54.67 to 99.13 nm, and a polydispersity index (PDI) ranging from 0.246 to 0.670. All formulations exhibited a negative zeta potential, ranging from -7.05 to -5.61 mV. The prepared films had thicknesses and weights ranging from 0.1240 to 0.2034 mm and 0.0283 to 0.0450 g, respectively. The drug content was over 85%. Film surface wettability was assessed based on the contact angle, ranging from 32.27 to 68.94°. Film tensile strength varied from 1.38 to 7.77 MPa, and their elongation at break varied from 124.19 to 170.72%. The ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the complete incorporation of the drug in the film matrix. Therefore, the appropriate selection of values for key parameters in the synthesis of HPMC films containing drug-loaded NLCs is important in the effective development of films for medical applications.

Design, Development, Evaluation, and In Vivo Performance of Buccal Films Embedded with Paliperidone-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

The therapeutic effectiveness of paliperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia has been limited by its poor oral bioavailability; hence, an alternative route could be appropriate. This study investigates the feasibility of developing a buccal film impregnated with paliperidone-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and assesses the potential to enhance its bioavailability. Box-Behnken-based design optimization of NLCs was performed by examining the particles' physical characteristics. The polymeric film was used to load optimized NLCs, which were then assessed for their pharmaceutical properties, permeability, and pharmacokinetics. The optimization outcomes indicated that selected formulation variables had a considerable (p < 0.05) impact on responses such as particle size, entrapment efficiency, and % drug release. Desired characteristics such as a negative charge, higher entrapment efficiency, and nanoparticles with ideal size distribution were shown by optimized NLC dispersions. The developed film demonstrated excellent physico-mechanical properties, appropriate texture, good drug excipient compatibility (chemically stable formulation), and amorphous drug nature. A sustained Weibull model drug release (p < 0.0005) and superior flux (~5-fold higher, p < 0.005) were seen in NLC-loaded film compared to plain-drug-loaded film. The pharmacokinetics profile in rabbits supports the goal of buccal therapy as evidenced by significantly higher AUC0-12 (p < 0.0001) and greater relative bioavailability (236%) than the control. These results support the conclusion that paliperidone-loaded NLC buccal film has the potential to be an alternate therapy for its effective administration in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Temperature-Responsive Hydrogel for Silver Sulfadiazine Drug Delivery: Optimized Design and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimise a temperature-responsive hydrogel formulation synthesised via the direct incorporation of biocellulose, which was extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) using the PF127 method. The optimised temperature-responsive hydrogel formulation was found to contain 3.000 w/v% biocellulose percentage and 19.047 w/v% PF127 percentage. The optimised temperature-responsive hydrogel provided excellent LCST near to the human body surface temperature, with high mechanical strength, drug release duration, and inhibition zone diameter against Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity testing against human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of the optimised formula. It was found that silver sulfadiazine (SSD)-loaded temperature-responsive hydrogel can be used as a safe replacement for the commercial SSD cream with no toxic effect on HaCaT cells. Last, but not least, in vivo (animal) dermal testing-both dermal sensitization and animal irritation-were conducted to evaluate the safety and biocompatibility of the optimised formula. No sensitization effects were detected on the skin applied with SSD-loaded temperature-responsive hydrogel indicating no irritant response for topical application. Therefore, the temperature-responsive hydrogel produced from OPEFB is ready for the next stage of commercialisation.

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.

Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Sustained Release Gels of Phytoestrogen Diarylheptanoids from Curcuma comosa for Vaginal Delivery

Diarylheptanoids (DAs) characterized by a 1,7-diphenylheptane structural skeleton are considered a novel class of phytoestrogens. The DAs available in Curcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa) extract demonstrated significant estrogenic activities both in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to develop and comprehensively evaluate a mucoadhesive vaginal gel for the sustained release of DAs. Different mucoadhesive polymers as gelling agents were investigated. C. comosa ethanolic crude extract was used as a source of DAs. All C. comosa gels were light brown homogeneous with pH within 4.4-4.6. Their flow behaviors were pseudoplastic with a flow behavior index of 0.18-0.38. The viscosity at a low shear rate varied from 6.2 to 335.4 Pa·s. Their mechanical and extrudability properties were associated well with rheological properties. Polycarbophil (PCP):hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) blends had a higher mucoadhesiveness to porcine vaginal mucosa than those of PCP-based or HPMC-based gels. All C. comosa gels exhibited a sustained, zero-order DA release pattern over 72 h. Korsmeyer and Peppas equation fitting indicated a non-Fickian, case II transport release mechanism. C. comosa gels had good physical and chemical stability under low-temperature storage for up to 12 months. PCP:HPMC-based mucoadhesive gels could be a proper delivery system for vaginal administration of DAs.

Buccal Thin Films as Potent Permeation Enhancers for Cytisine Transbuccal Delivery

Cytisine (CYT) is a powerful anti-smoking compound which could greatly benefit from transbuccal delivery because of both its unfavorable pharmacokinetics after oral administration and its intrinsic ability to permeate the buccal mucosa. This work aims to design CYT-loaded buccal thin films suitable for transbuccal drug delivery due to its capability of promoting the interaction between CYT and the buccal membrane. The solvent casting method was employed to prepare several thin films combining various excipients such as matrixing polymers, mucoadhesion agents, plasticizers and other compounds as humectants and sweeteners, component ratios and solvents. A total of 36 compositions was prepared and four of them emerged as the most promising in terms of aspect and flexibility. They all demonstrated homogeneity, thinness, low swelling degree, and controlled drug release according to the Power Law and Peppas-Sahlin mathematical models. Mainly, they proved able to interact with the ex vivo porcine buccal mucosa producing mucoadhesive effects, and act as potent permeation enhancers. In particular, Film B emerged as suitable as it produced a 10.6-fold Kp enhancement and a great Js value (52.33 μg/cm²·h^-1), even when compared to highly concentrated CYT solutions.

Drug-Polymers Composite Matrix Tablets: Effect of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) K-Series on Porosity, Compatibility, and Release Behavior of the Tablet Containing a BCS Class I Drug

The purpose of this research was to see how the physicochemical properties and porosity of matrix tablets containing various types of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K series affected the release of propranolol hydrochloride (PNL). PNL is a class I drug (high solubility and permeability) according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), making it an excellent model drug used for studying extended-release drug products. The direct compression method was used to prepare the HPMC-based matrix tablets. PNL and the excipients were found to be compatible using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The surfaces of all the compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets were rough, with accumulated particles and small holes. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablet porosity was also determined by using mercury porosimetry. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets made of low viscosity HPMC had tiny pores (diameter < 0.01 μm). The shorter polymeric chains are more prone to deformation, resulting in a small pore proportion. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets sustained the release of PNL for over 12 h. The release exponent values (n), which reflect the release mechanism of the drug from the tablets, ranged from 0.476 to 0.497. These values indicated that the release was governed by anomalous transport. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets have the potential for a sustained release of PNL.

Development and optimization of tibezonium iodide and lignocaine hydrochloride containing novel mucoadhesive buccal tablets: A pharmacokinetic investigation among healthy humans

OBJECTIVE

It is clinically important to deliver sustained-release mucoadhesive dosage of local anesthetic and antimicrobial agent for pain control. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate chitosan (CHI) based buccal mucoadhesive delivery for local release of tibezonium iodide (TBN) and lignocaine hydrochloride (LGN).

METHODS

Direct compression technique was employed, aided by other mucoadhesive polymers like hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium alginate (SA) and evaluated for physicochemical and in vivo character.

RESULTS

Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FTIR), powdered X-ray diffraction (XRPD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) absence of physical interaction between ingredients. The physical parameters complied with USP specifications for all formulations. Optimum swellability (551.9%) was offered from formulation TL15, containing 30% SA. Highest ex vivo mucoadhesive strength (24.79 g) and time (18.39 h) was found with TL8. Formulation TL8 also exhibited maximum in vivo residence time (11.37 h). Almost complete drug release at 6 h was possessed by formulation TL5 (HPMC and CHI, 20% each) for TBN (99.98%) and LGN (99.06%). The optimized formulation TL5 exhibited dosage stability up to 6 months at 75% relative humidity and retained drug contents. TL5 was well tolerated by the volunteers with no inflammation, pain or irritation found. Almost 73% of volunteers reported an increase in salivary secretion. The first-order salivary C_max of TBN and LGN were found as 16.02 and 7.80 µg/mL within 4 h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the sustained release mucoadhesive dosage form of TBN and LGN can be an effective and alternative option to conventional delivery.

High-Payload Buccal Delivery System of Amorphous Curcumin-Chitosan Nanoparticle Complex in Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Starch Films

Oral delivery of curcumin (CUR) has limited effectiveness due to CUR’s poor systemic bioavailability caused by its first-pass metabolism and low solubility. Buccal delivery of CUR nanoparticles can address the poor bioavailability issue by virtue of avoidance of first-pass metabolism and solubility enhancement afforded by CUR nanoparticles. Buccal film delivery of drug nanoparticles, nevertheless, has been limited to low drug payload. Herein, we evaluated the feasibilities of three mucoadhesive polysaccharides, i.e., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), starch, and hydroxypropyl starch as buccal films of amorphous CUR–chitosan nanoplex at high CUR payload. Both HPMC and starch films could accommodate high CUR payload without adverse effects on the films’ characteristics. Starch films exhibited far superior CUR release profiles at high CUR payload as the faster disintegration time of starch films lowered the precipitation propensity of the highly supersaturated CUR concentration generated by the nanoplex. Compared to unmodified starch, hydroxypropyl starch films exhibited superior CUR release, with sustained release of nearly 100% of the CUR payload in 4 h. Hydroxypropyl starch films also exhibited good payload uniformity, minimal weight/thickness variations, high folding endurance, and good long-term storage stability. The present results established hydroxypropyl starch as the suitable mucoadhesive polysaccharide for high-payload buccal film applications.

An Updated Overview of the Emerging Role of Patch and Film-Based Buccal Delivery Systems

Buccal mucosal membrane offers an attractive drug-delivery route to enhance both systemic and local therapy. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of buccal drug delivery, anatomical and physiological aspects of oral mucosa, and various in vitro techniques frequently used for examining buccal drug-delivery systems. The role of mucoadhesive polymers, penetration enhancers, and enzyme inhibitors to circumvent the formulation challenges particularly due to salivary renovation cycle, masticatory effect, and limited absorption area are summarized. Biocompatible mucoadhesive films and patches are favored dosage forms for buccal administration because of flexibility, comfort, lightness, acceptability, capacity to withstand mechanical stress, and customized size. Preparation methods, scale-up process and manufacturing of buccal films are briefed. Ongoing and completed clinical trials of buccal film formulations designed for systemic delivery are tabulated. Polymeric or lipid nanocarriers incorporated in buccal film to resolve potential formulation and drug-delivery issues are reviewed. Vaccine-enabled buccal films have the potential ability to produce both antibodies mediated and cell mediated immunity. Advent of novel 3D printing technologies with built-in flexibility would allow multiple drug combinations as well as compartmentalization to separate incompatible drugs. Exploring new functional excipients with potential capacity for permeation enhancement of particularly large-molecular-weight hydrophilic drugs and unstable proteins, oligonucleotides are the need of the hour for rapid advancement in the exciting field of buccal drug delivery.

Manipulation of the Glass Transition Properties of a High-Solid System Made of Acrylic Acid-N,N'-Methylenebisacrylamide Copolymer Grafted on Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

Crosslinking of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and acrylic acid (AAc) was carried out at various compositions to develop a high-solid matrix with variable glass transition properties. The matrix was synthesized by the copolymerisation of two monomers, AAc and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and their grafting onto HMPC. Potassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈) was used to initiate the free radical polymerization reaction and tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) to accelerate radical polymerisation. Structural properties of the network were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), small-deformation dynamic oscillation in-shear, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show the formation of a cohesive macromolecular entity that is highly amorphous. There is a considerable manipulation of the rheological and calorimetric glass transition temperatures as a function of the amount of added acrylic acid, which is followed upon heating by an extensive rubbery plateau. Complementary TGA work demonstrates that the initial composition of all the HPMC-AAc networks is maintained up to 200 °C, an outcome that bodes well for applications of targeted bioactive compound delivery.

In vitro evaluation of mucoadhesive in situ nanogel of celecoxib for buccal delivery

OBJECTIVE

The research aims for finding the possibility of buccal delivery of celecoxib from an in situ mucoadhesive nanogel, and in vitro evaluation of the gel to evidence the enhanced permeation of drug from buccal mucosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six formulations of celecoxib loaded NLCs were prepared using stearic acid and oleic acid in different ratio in aqueous solution of poloxamer by emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The physicochemical evaluations of the celecoxib loaded NLC (CeL-NLC) were carried out. The formulation F4 was selected as the best and subjected for FTIR, DSC, PXRD, and surface morphology study. In situ mucoadhesive gel was prepared with F4 in HPC, HPMC and Carbopol 934 gelling systems. The gels were evaluated for their mechanical and rheological properties and in vitro permeation studies through rabbit oral mucosa.

RESULTS

The selected process at high shear homogenization could yield nanoparticles of desired physiochemical properties. The drug and excipients were compatible as disseminated from FTIR study. Transformation of the crystal form to amorphous form of celecoxib was revealed by the solid-state characterization studies. The AFM study unfold the formation of discrete asymmetric nano particles. All mucoadhesive gels found to have good mucoadhesion and rheological property with good in vitro permeation of drug. A comparative study and statistical analysis unveiled that gel containing Carbopol 934 was found to be the best mucoadhesive in situ gel of nano particles of celecoxib with enhanced permeation parameters.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the above in vitro evaluation of in situ mucoadhesive nano gel proved the potential of the formulation as a promising buccal delivery of celecoxib.

Expert design and optimization of a novel buccoadhesive blend film impregnated with metformin nanoparticles

Aim: The purpose of this study was to design a metformin nanoparticles (NPs)-loaded buccoadhesive film for enhanced drug bioavailability. Materials & methods: The NPs were prepared and incorporated into a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-chitosan blend film. Three levels of a three-factor, Box-Behnken design were used to evaluate the critical formulation variables. The drug permeation was also examined using sheep buccal mucosa. Results & conclusion: The results verified the formation of spherical NPs with an average size of 177.8 ± 6.42 nm and entrapment efficiency of 78.03 ± 0.23%. The optimum conditions for nanofilms were predicted to be: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (700 mg), glycerol (50 mg) and chitosan (0.15 %w/v). The nanofilm showed a high drug permeation within 6 h. The metformin nanofilm offers an excellent opportunity for buccal drug delivery.

Oral Modified Release Multiple-Unit Particulate Systems: Compressed Pellets, Microparticles and Nanoparticles

Oral modified-release multiparticulate dosage forms, which are also referred to as oral multiple-unit particulate systems, are becoming increasingly popular for oral drug delivery applications. The compaction of polymer-coated multiparticulates into tablets to produce a sustained-release dosage form is preferred over hard gelatin capsules. Moreover, multiparticulate tablets are a promising solution to chronic conditions, patients’ adherence, and swallowing difficulties if incorporated into orodispersible matrices. Nonetheless, the compaction of multiparticulates often damages the functional polymer coat, which results in a rapid release of the drug substance and the subsequent loss of sustained-release properties. This review brings to the forefront key formulation variables that are likely to influence the compaction of coated multiparticulates into sustained-release tablets. It focusses on the tabletting of coated drug-loaded pellets, microparticles, and nanoparticles with a designated section on each. Furthermore, it explores the various approaches that are used to evaluate the compaction behaviour of particulate systems.

Development of Triamcinolone Acetonide-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for Buccal Drug Delivery Using the Box-Behnken Design

The aim of this present work was to prepare triamcinolone acetonide (TA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (TA-loaded NLCs) for buccal drug delivery systems using the Box-Behnken design. A hot homogenization method was used to prepare the TA-loaded NLCs. Spermaceti (X₁), soybean oil (X₂), and Tween 80 (X₃) were used as solid lipid, liquid lipid, and stabilizer, respectively. The particle size of TA-loaded NLCs was lower than 200 nm and the zeta potential displayed the negative charge in all formulations. The percentage encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of the TA-loaded NLCs showed that it was higher than 80% for all formulations. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) confirmed that the size of TA-loaded NLCs was approximately 100 nm and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed that the TA could be incorporated in the NLC system. The Higuchi model gave the highest value of the R², indicating that this model was a fit for the TA release profiles of TA-loaded NLCs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to observe the drug penetration within the porcine buccal mucosa and Nile red-loaded NLCs showed significantly higher penetration depth at 8 h than at 2 h. Therefore, TA-loaded NLCs could be an efficient carrier for drug delivery through the buccal mucosa.

Optimization of orodispersible and conventional tablets using simplex lattice design: Relationship among excipients and banana extract

The objective of this study was focused on the optimization of the pharmaceutical excipients and banana extract in the preparation of orally disintegrating banana extract tablets (OD-BET) and conventional banana extract tablets (CO-BET) using a simplex lattice design. Various ratios of banana extract (BE), dibasic calcium phosphate (DCP) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were used to prepare banana extract tablets (BET). The results indicated that the optimal OD-BET and CO-BET consisted of BE: DCP: MCC at 10.0, 88.8, 1.2, 10.0, 83.8: and 6.2, respectively. AFM demonstrated that the surface of BET with BE + MCC was smooth and compacted when compared to BET with BE + DCP + MCC and BE + DCP. FTIR and XRD showed a correlation in the results and indicated that no interaction of each ingredient occurred in the process of BET formulation. Therefore, the experimental design is potentially useful in formulated OD-BET and CO-BET by using only one design simultaneously.

Assessing the effects of different agro-residue as substrates on growth cycle and yield of Grifola frondosa and statistical optimization of substrate components using simplex-lattice design

Grifola frondosa is an economically important edible and medicinal mushroom usually produced on substrate consisting of sawdust supplemented with wheat bran. Cultivation of G. frondosa on crop straw (corn cob, corn straw, rice straw, and soybean straw) as a substrate was optimized by using the D-optimum method of the simplex-lattice design, and the alternative of crop straw as a substitute for sawdust in the substrate composition was determined by the optimized model. The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation existing between the yield and corn cob. The growth cycle was negatively correlated with sawdust, corn cob and soybean straw, with sawdust significantly shortening the growth cycle of G. frondosa. The optimized high-yielding formula included 73.125% corn cob, 1.875% rice straw, 23% wheat bran and 2% light calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) (C/N = 48.40). The average yield of the first flush was 134.72 ± 4.24 g/bag, which was increased by 39.97% compared with the control formula. The biological efficiency (BE) was 44.91 ± 1.41%, which was increased by 38.53% compared with the control. Based on the results of this study, corn cob can replace sawdust as one of the main cultivation substrates of G. frondosa.

Buccal administration of mucoadhesive blend films saturated with propranolol loaded nanoparticles

The aims of this study were to prepare and characterize hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/polycarbophil (PC) mucoadhesive blend films saturated with propranolol hydrochloride (PNL)-loaded nanoparticles to improve permeability of drugs that undergo first-pass metabolism. An ionic cross-linking method and film casting technique was used to prepare nanoparticles and mucoadhesive blend films, respectively. Increasing concentrations of PNL (70, 80, 90 mg/film) in HPMC/PC blend films containing PNL-loaded nanoparticles (PN-films) and HPMC/PC blend films containing PNL (80 mg/film) without nanoparticles (PP-films) were prepared to test swelling, mucoadhesiveness, release, permeation and physicochemical properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed a partially smooth surface with a wrinkled occurrence and spherically shaped, well-dispersed nanoparticles on the surface of PN-films containing PNL 80 mg/film (PN-films-80). The size of the nanoparticles on the surface of PN-films-80 was around 100 nm, which was similar to the nanoparticle size observed using light scattering technique. The swelling index (SI) of all PN-films and PP-films increased greatly in the first period time (10-20 min) and reached swelling equilibrium at 20 min and 30 min, respectively. For the PN-films, the concentration of PNL influenced the mucoadhesive properties and tended to be higher when the amount of PNL increased. Immediate release of all blend film formulations was found in early time points (10-30 min). After 120 min, the release of PN-films-70 was lower than the other PN-films. Permeation studies using porcine buccal mucosa showed that inclusion of nanoparticles in the films increased the permeability of PNL compared to PP-films. Therefore, buccal administration of mucoadhesive blend films containing PNL-loaded nanoparticles could be a promising approach for drugs that undergo first-pass metabolism.

Vitamin B12-Loaded Buccoadhesive Films as a Noninvasive Supplement in Vitamin B12 Deficiency: In Vitro Evaluation and In Vivo Comparative Study With Intramuscular Injection

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate vitamin B12-loaded buccal mucoadhesive hydrogel films. Various film formulations were prepared using chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol. The prepared films were characterized for thickness, weight variation, drug content, percentage moisture uptake and moisture content, surface pH, mechanical properties, in vitro release, and mucoadhesion. Vitamin B12 bioavailability from the optimized formulation was studied on rabbits by the aid of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neuroton^® I.M. injection was used for comparison. The films had acceptable mechanical and mucoadhesion properties. The percentages of moisture content of the optimized formulation were 3.2 ± 0.95, whereas the percentage drug released was 98.59 ± 1.41% at the end of 40 min. FTIR revealed the incidence of drug/polymer interaction. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed the possibility of the dispersion of cyanocobalamin in a molecular state with complete amorphization in the polymers. The estimated AUC_0-8h showed 1.5-fold increases in the bioavailability of cyanocobalamin from the optimized formulation compared with the marketed I.M. injection. These findings warrant that vitamin B12 buccal film formulation can be considered as an effective alternative portal with noninvasive and more convenient characteristics compared with the I.M. injection dosage form.