Mucoadhesive Films Containing Chitosan‐Coated Nanoparticles: A New Strategy for Buccal Curcumin Release

Mucoadhesive films containing curcumin‐loaded nanoparticles were developed, aiming to prolong the residence time of the dosage form in the oral cavity and to increase drug absorption through the buccal mucosa. Films were prepared by the casting method after incorporation of curcumin‐loaded chitosan‐coated polycaprolactone nanoparticles into plasticized chitosan solutions. Different molar masses of mucoadhesive polysaccharide chitosan and concentrations of plasticizer glycerol were used to optimize the preparation conditions. Films obtained using medium and high molar mass chitosan were found to be homogeneous and flexible. Curcumin‐loaded nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on the film surface, as evidenced by atomic force microscopy and high‐resolution field‐emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM) images. Analyses of film cross sections using FEG‐SEM demonstrate the presence of nanoparticles inside the films. In addition, films proved to have a good rate of hydration in simulated saliva solution, displaying a maximum swelling of around 80% and in vitro prolonged‐controlled delivery of curcumin. These results indicate that the mucoadhesive films containing nanoparticles offer a promising approach for buccal delivery of curcumin, which may be particularly useful in the treatment of periodontal diseases that require a sustained drug delivery.