The present study aimed to develop buccoadhesive film of glimepiride with unique combination of polymers and to investigate its effect(s) on physicomechanical parameters, drug-release, and permeation of films. Drug-polymer interaction was examined by FTIR and DSC analysis. Films were prepared by solvent casting technique and characterized for film strength (320 ± 8.5 g, 28.98 ± 2.00 mJ), buccoadhesive strength (28.8 ± 1.37 g, 3.04 ± 0.32 mJ), and tensile strength (260 ± 6.88 g, 18.00 ± 0.44 mJ) by new instrumental techniques. Increase in polymer concentration augmented zeta potential of polymeric matrix-mucin mixture and exhibited strong buccoadhesion (electrical theory). Buccoadhesion was also influenced by particle size (adsorption theory) and swelling (wetting theory). Erosion behavior of films was observed in swelling and SEM studies. Film GM4 exhibited 98 ± 2% in vitro drug release and 85 ± 8% ex vivo drug permeation in 12 h with controlled diffusion mechanism. Films were compatible with oral probiotic microorganisms. Stability studies revealed no significant (P < 0.05) variation in physicomechanical characteristics.
Keywords: biophysics of buccoadhesion; buccoadhesive film; buccoadhesive strength; buccocompatibility; glimepiride.