Analysis of Key Factors for Evaluating Mucosal Adhesion Using Swine Buccal Tissue

The assessment of the mucoadhesive properties peak mucoadhesive force (F_max) and work of mucoadhesion (W_muc) with texture analyzers is a common in vitro method for analyzing formulation capabilities. Challenges arise in selecting and standardizing experimental conditions due to various variables influencing mucoadhesion. This complexity hampers direct product performance comparisons. In our study, we explored factors (contact force and time, probe speed and mucin in artificial saliva) impacting a model formulation's mucoadhesive capacity. Using Omcilon-A®Orabase on porcine buccal mucosa, we systematically varied experimental conditions, employing a statistical approach (Central Composite Design - CCD). Three variables (contact force, contact time, probe speed) and their interactions were assessed for their impact on F_max and W_muc. Results showed that contact time and force positively affected F_max, while only contact time influenced W_muc. In the mucin artificial saliva test, a force of 0.5 N, time of 600 s, and speed of 1 mm/s yielded optimal F_max (0.587 N) and W_muc (0.468 N.s). These conditions serve as a reference for comparing mucoadhesive properties of formulations for topical oral use.