Comparative Evaluation of Film Forming Properties of Some Natural Polymers

The aim of the present work was to formulate and evaluate transdermal films using natural polymers and to check its effectiveness for control of drug release using Ibuprofen as model drug. Study was undertaken to report the film forming properties of the natural polymers and their physicochemical data. Various drug free films with varying quantities of polymers i.e. Pectin (4, 6, 8 %), Locust bean gum (1, 2, 3 %), Chitosan (0.5, 1, 2 %), Shellac (2.5, 5, 7.5 %) and plasticizer i.e. Poly ethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400) in 10, 20, 30 % were formulated using solvent casting method using mercury as a substrate. Initially, the drug free films were formulated and were evaluated for various parameters like folding endurance, uniformity of thickness, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength, break force, % elongation. The FTIR study revealed that the drug & polymers were compatible with each other. The film composition which showed significant results were selected and drug loaded films with same composition incorporating 200mg of drug and varying quantity of permeation enhancer i.e. Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in 5, 10, 15 % were formulated and in-vitro diffusion study using Franz diffusion cell was carried out.