Abstract
Thin polymeric films with adhesive ability are useful for transdermal and mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. Polymer materials with adhesive ability in their dry state are integral to the formulation of patch systems for topical and transdermal drug delivery. Such polymers are often called "pressure sensitive adhesives" due to their capacity to attach to the skin surface with the application of light pressure. In the drug-inadhesive design the drug is mixed with the adhesive polymer to produce a thin medicated film. The adhesive performance of these films can be monitored directly using tack and peel tests and indirectly by correlation with rheological parameters. Polymers with adhesive ability following absorption of moisture are useful in the formulation of mucoadhesive films for transmucosal (e.g. buccal, nasal, ocular) drug delivery. Such polymers are hydrophilic (hydrogels). Following hydration, polymer chains relax and interact with mucus glucoprotein chains, primarily by hydrogen bonding. This chapter will describe the properties of the adhesive polymers used in the design of transdermal and mucoadhesive films, the mechanism of adhesion and the tests that can be applied to monitor the adhesive performance.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Adhesive Properties in Nanomaterials, Composites and Films |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers |
| Pages | 83-93 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781612092683 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |