Exploiting Polymeric Films as a Multipurpose Drug Delivery System: a Review

Area of Science:

• * Pharmaceutical Sciences
• * Materials Science
• * Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• * Polymeric films serve as advanced drug delivery systems, ensuring prolonged tissue contact and sustained therapeutic molecule release.
• * These systems are crucial for topical treatments, optimizing drug exposure at the target site and enabling controlled administration.
• * The adaptability of polymeric films allows for tailored drug delivery across various administration routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To explore diverse fabrication methods for polymeric films, including solvent casting, hot melt extrusion, electrospinning, and 3D bioprinting.
• * To review the advantages and disadvantages of various polymers (e.g., PVP, PVA, chitosan, alginate) used in film formulation.
• * To highlight the versatility of polymeric films for different administration routes (skin, oral mucosa, vaginal, ocular) and their potential in developing novel therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• * Review of scientific literature on polymeric film fabrication techniques.
• * Analysis of polymer properties and their impact on drug release kinetics.
• * Examination of application-specific advantages and limitations for diverse administration routes.

Main Results:

• * Multiple manufacturing methods (solvent casting, hot melt extrusion, electrospinning, 3D bioprinting) offer distinct advantages for polymeric film production.
• * A wide range of polymers (PVP, PVA, cellulose derivatives, chitosan, gelling gum, pectin, alginate) can be utilized, influencing film characteristics and drug release profiles.
• * Polymeric films demonstrate significant versatility for administration via skin, oral mucosa, vaginal canal, and ocular routes.

Conclusions:

• * Polymeric films represent a highly adaptable platform for controlled drug delivery, with numerous formulation and application possibilities.
• * The choice of polymer and manufacturing method significantly impacts the efficacy and suitability of films for specific therapeutic goals.
• * These systems offer substantial opportunities for the development of innovative medicines to address a wide spectrum of medical needs.