Exploration of neem gum-chitosan and kheri gum-chitosan polyelectrolyte complex based film for transdermal delivery of protein/peptide

Abstract

Present investigation is continuation of author’s previously published work. In the present investigation, the author has prepared neem gum-chitosan and kheri gum-chitosan polyelectrolyte complex transdermal film for the delivery of protein/peptide drug. Concentration of gum (neem gum and kheri gum) and chitosan was varied in each concentration while drug concentration kept constant. Albumin was used as a model protein drug. Transdermal films were fabricated using a solvent casting method without using any plasticizer and evaluated for various parameters viz. folding endurance, surface pH, weight variation, drug content, percentage moisture content, surface morphology, in vitro drug release and ex vivo drug permeation study. The study showed that films were successfully fabricated with good acceptable physical properties. In vitro drug release study and ex vivo drug permeation study showed that polyelectrolyte films were able to extend drug delivery up to 9 days. It can be easily concluded from the findings of the results that neem gum-chitosan and kheri gum-chitosan polyelectrolyte complex films can be easily prepared without using any plasticizer and able to deliver protein/peptide therapeutic agents for an extended period of time.