Muco Biodegradable Fluconazole Buccal Films Using Natural Polymers for Site Specific Antifungal Therapy

Abstract

This work aimed to develop and assess fluconazole loaded mucoadhesive buccal films utilizing natural biodegradable polymers chitosan and sodium alginate to facilitate localized, prolonged antifungal administration for the treatment of oral candidiasis. Buccal films were fabricated using the solvent casting technique and demonstrated uniform thickness, consistent weight, appropriate surface pH, sufficient folding endurance, and optimal moisture content. FTIR research verified the lack of drug-excipient interactions, demonstrating compatibility between fluconazole and the chosen polymers. The drug content consistency adhered to pharmacopeial standards in all batches. In vitro release studies demonstrated that chitosan based films facilitated rapid release, whereas chitosan–alginate composite films afforded controlled and extended fluconazole delivery over 8 hours, adhering primarily to Zero order and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics, indicating diffusion driven sustained release. Among all formulations, F6 exhibited higher mechanical strength, improved mucoadhesion, extended residence time, optimal drug loading, and the most advantageous sustained release profile. Accelerated stability testing further validated the formulation’s physicochemical stability. Chitosan-alginate mucoadhesive buccal films are a viable alternative for targeted antifungal therapy, enhancing patient compliance while minimizing systemic exposure.