Pullulan-Based Spray-Dried Mucoadhesive Microparticles for Sustained Oromucosal Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Mucoadhesive microparticles enhance oromucosal drug delivery by increasing mucosal contact and residence time.
• Benzydamine hydrochloride (BZH) is a drug used for local oral conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize mucoadhesive spray-dried microparticles of pullulan for oromucosal delivery of benzydamine hydrochloride (BZH).
• To evaluate the drug release profile, mucoadhesion, and retention of BZH-loaded pullulan microparticles on oral mucosal membranes.

Main Methods:

• Mucoadhesive microparticles were prepared using pullulan and benzydamine hydrochloride (BZH) via spray-drying.
• Particle size, angle of repose, drug release kinetics, and mucoadhesion were analyzed.
• Retention of microencapsulated gold nanoparticle probes on mucosal membranes was quantified.

Main Results:

• The BZH-pullulan microparticles exhibited a mean size of <25 μm and favorable flow properties (angle of repose 25.8-36.6°).
• Pullulan significantly extended BZH release (>180 min), approximately nine times longer than reported for chitosan.
• Mucoadhesion studies showed retention of up to 78.8% w/w of microencapsulated probes on the mucosal membrane.

Conclusions:

• BZH-pullulan microparticles demonstrate significant potential for oromucosal drug delivery.
• The formulation provides sustained drug release and prolonged in situ residence time, suitable for treating local oral diseases.
• Pullulan's mucoadhesive properties contribute to enhanced drug delivery efficacy.