Bioadhesive Films as Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Bioadhesive films are considered a novel drug delivery system thatprovides improved therapy and better patient compliance than conventional dosage forms. The type and concentration of polymer or the blend of polymers used are important factors that can influence the properties of bioadhesive films, the product outcome and the performance. But the modification of available polymers to synthesize polymers with improved properties is the current area of research. Furthermore, addressing the challenges in formulating bioadhesive films for transdermal delivery of a variety of different classes of drug molecules is the frontier for future research. With the advancement of synthetic chemistry and the development of newer technology like 3D printing, more studies are being conducted on bioadhesive films that have opened up many opportunities in this field of research. This article reviews the current advancements in developing bio-adhesive films and provides basic principles that will be helpful to overcome the difficulties that are associated with the design of formulation.