Development of Mucoadhesive Buccal Films Containing Triamcinolone Acetonide by using Co-solvent Systems

This work aimed to develop mucoadhesive buccal films containing triamcinolone acetonide (TA), which shows local anti-inflammatory activity. A thin film layer was formulated from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by the solvent casting method. The solubility of TA and the ability of the co-solvents to produce films were evaluated. The optimal co-solvents were chosen to prepare the film. Pharmaceutical properties of the film, including uniformity of weight, thickness, mechanical property, wetting time, mucoadhesion, TA content, and release, were evaluated. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity and scratch assay were assessed for the in vitro cell line. Among the co-solvents, the system consisted of ethanol, distilled water, and an individual plasticizer (glycerin and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400)), which showed promising co-solvents for TA solubility and film formation. The films were clear and colorless, with a smooth surface and good mechanical properties. PEG 400-contained film formulation had higher mechanical properties and faster wetting time than glycerin. Both films had similar mucoadhesive properties, although the TA content differed slightly, and a rapid release of TA from the films was observed. However, PEG 400-contained film offered a slightly faster TA release than glycerin. The films were non-toxic to gingival fibroblast cells. However, they decreased the cell growth and migration compared to the control. According to this research, co-solvents increased TA solubility and produced good characteristic buccal mucoadhesive films containing TA. Keywords: Triamcinolone acetonide, Co-solvents, Film, Mucoadhesive property