Characterization of chitosan–magnesium aluminum silicate nanocomposite films for buccal delivery of nicotine

The objective of this study was to prepare and characterize chitosan–magnesium aluminum silicate (CS–MAS) nanocomposite films as a buccal delivery system for nicotine (NCT). The effects of the CS–MAS ratio on the physicochemical properties, release and permeation, as well as on the mucoadhesive properties, were investigated. Molecular interactions between the components of the film were also investigated. The results indicated that NCT-loaded CS–MAS films provided a higher NCT content than NCT-loaded films containing only CS. The greater the MAS ratio in the films, the higher the NCT content that was observed because intercalated nanocomposites could be formed by electrostatic interactions of MAS with NCT and CS. These interactions caused an insignificant loss of NCT by evaporation during film drying. The release and permeation of NCT were related to the square root of time, indicating that a diffusion-controlled mechanism via the NCT–MAS complex particles and the film matrix controls NCT release. NCT release and permeation rates decreased with as the MAS ratio of the films was increased. However, the NCT-loaded CS–MAS films may have a potential adhesion to the mucosal membrane. These findings suggest that NCT-loaded CS–MAS films can be used as a buccal NCT delivery system.

► We prepared chitosan–magnesium aluminum silicate (CS–MAS) nanocomposite films incorporated with nicotine (NCT) for drug delivery.
► Intercalated nanocomposite films were formed by electrostatic interactions of CS with MAS and NCT.
► The release and permeation of NCT from the films were controlled by a diffusion-controlled mechanism via the NCT–MAS complex particles and the CS film matrix.
► The films could possibly provide mucoadhesive properties to allow adhesion to the mucosal membrane and could be used as a buccal delivery system.