Water-soluble chitosan eases development of mucoadhesive buccal films and wafers for children

Oromucosal films and wafers are user-friendly solid dosage forms offering easy and convenient administration, as well as rapid or controlled drug delivery. The aim of this study was to develop prednisolone containing child-friendly chitosan-based mucoadhesive films and wafers with a prolonged residence time on the buccal mu-cosa. Four different chitosan types (different molecular weights, degree of deacetylation (DDA), pattern of deacetylation) were studied for films prepared by solvent-cast-evaporation and wafers by freeze-drying. Mucoadhesive properties correlated with swelling abilities and were dependent on the chitosan type, the sol -vent, and the preparation method. Mucoadhesive forces were higher for formulations containing chitosan with higher DDA and for wafers compared to films. The drug release was relatively fast, especially for films (approx. 90 % in 15 minutes) and steadier for wafers (90 % in 45-120 minutes). Permeability was evaluated using artificial membranes and HT29-MTX cell-monolayers. The developed formulations exhibited good biocompati-bility. Organoleptic properties can be improved by choosing a homogenously deacetylated chitosan type that provides a more neutral pH. Using hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin-complexation for taste masking of bitter drugs also reduced wafers' drug release rate. Mucoadhesive wafers are promising alternatives to films with a slower drug release rate and stronger mucoadhesion.

Automated summary

Oromucosal films and wafers are convenient solid dosage forms for drug delivery. In this study, prednisolone containing chitosan-based mucoadhesive films and wafers were developed with different chitosan types. The mucoadhesive properties, drug release rate, and permeability of the formulations were evaluated. The results showed that chitosan type, solvent, and preparation method influenced the mucoadhesive properties, drug release rate, and permeability. The mucoadhesive wafers with a slower drug release rate and stronger mucoadhesion were considered promising alternatives to films.