Effect of surfactant on hydration and stress-strain of hypromellose film formation

Abstract

Introduction: Surfactant in general has got significant influence on swelling and mechanical properties of hydrogel forming film, particularly used for drug delivery purposes.

Objective: The effect of surfactants on hydration and swelling, and physicomechanical behavior of the hypromellose film formulations has been studied.

Methods: Hydrogel forming films were prepared with hypromellose and different surfactants and cosurfactant systems (Croduret 40, Kolliphor HS 15, Soluplus, Transcutol HP, Captex 355, Dimethyl Sulfoxide and/or Benzalkonium chloride) using macitentan as model drug by solvent casting technique. Swelling at regular interval of time and erosion after hydration of the film formulation were estimated followed by mechanical properties such as, tensile strength, toughness etc.

Results: The highest swelling and least erosion were found in the film containing transcutol and captex (1860 and 17.43% respectively) while the film containing no surfactants/co-surfactants showed 1335 and 41.87% swelling and erosion respectively. Folding endurance of 138 and a high toughness (5.78) was found in film without surfactant where the film formulations containing surfactant/co-surfactants showed a better folding endurance and lower toughness. Elongation at break was found to be 21,30 in the case of MH where 13.80% was observed in the film containing transcutol. Tensile strength of 39.28 and 36.80 was found of the film containing transcutol and without surfactant respectively.

Conclusions: Exhibited swelling and mechanical properties were found to be the most acceptable in the Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose film formulation containing transcutol which may be very much suitable for mucoadhesive type ocular drug delivery.