Mucoadhesive Hydrogel Films of Econazole Nitrate: Formulation and Optimization Using Factorial Design

Abstract

The mucoadhesive hydrogel film was prepared and optimized for the purpose of local drug delivery to oral cavity for the treatment of oral Candidiasis. The mucoadhesive hydrogel film was prepared with the poly(vinyl alcohol) by freeze/thaw crosslinking technique. 32 full factorial design was employed to optimize the formulation. Number of freeze/thaw cycles (4, 6, and 8 cycles) and the concentration of the poly(vinyl alcohol) (10, 15, and 20%) were used as the independent variables whereas time required for 50% drug release, cumulative percent of drug release at 8th hour, and “k” of zero order equation were used as the dependent variables. The films were evaluated for mucoadhesive strength, in vitro residence time, swelling study, in vitro drug release, and effectiveness against Candida albicans. The concentration of poly(vinyl alcohol) and the number of freeze/thaw cycles both decrease the drug release rate. Mucoadhesive hydrogel film with 15% poly(vinyl alcohol) and 7 freeze/thaw cycles was optimized. The optimized batch exhibited the sustained release of drug and the antifungal studies revealed that the drug released from the film could inhibit the growth of Candida albicans for 12 hours.

Fabrication of mucoadhesive chitosan coated polyvinylpyrrolidone/cyclodextrin/clotrimazole sandwich patches for oral candidiasis

“…for a prolonged period of time. These characteristics are achievable if the drug delivery system demonstrates sustained release, and mucoadhesive properties (Collins, Cookinham, & Smith, 2011;Gajra, Pandya, Singh, & Rabari, 2014).…”

Emerging Fabrication Strategies of Hydrogels and Its Applications

“…Another anti-inflammatory agent (naringin) was also encapsulated in a thermos-and pH-responsive hydrogel for buccal drug delivery to inhibit periodontitis [270]. In addition, a mucoadhesive hydrogel was developed by the freeze/thaw cross-linking technique for loading econazole nitrate to treat oral candidiasis [271]. The results show that the sustained release of the drug was achieved, and the growth of candida albicans could be inhibited for 12 h.…”

Polymer-Based Carriers in Dental Local Healing—Review and Future Challenges

“…PVA-only hydrogels produce stiff films with low elasticity after solvent evaporation, limiting the independent use of the polymer as a carrier component. Gajra et al [ 155 ] designed a PVA-based mucoadhesive hydrogel film for the administration of econazole for the treatment of oral candidiasis. A mucoadhesive hydrogel film containing 15% polyvinyl alcohol, after seven freeze–thaw cycles conducted to increase the degree of cross-linking, showed a prolonged release of econazole, lasting over 12 with similarity to zero-order kinetics.…”