A novel mucoadhesive film containing probiotic extract for oral candidiasis treatment: Formulation and antifungal evaluation.

ABSTRACT

Probiotic strains offer a novel and potentially effective approach to treat oral candidiasis. Buccal mucoadhesive films have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their unique ability to adhere and persist on the oral mucosa, while gradually releasing their encapsulated drug content. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop mucoadhesive films containing probiotic extract for treatment of oral candidiasis. Mucoadhesive films were fabricated with hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). Then, films were evaluated regarding their thickness, pH, tensile strength and elongation, swelling, in vitro release and antifungal activity. The type of polymer used had an impact on the mechanical properties, swelling and release of the films. Films prepared using PVA showed significantly higher tensile strength and elongation at break values compared to those prepared using HPMC. However, swelling index increased with enhancing HPMC concentration in the films. The release of probiotic extract from the film prepared with HPMC occurred slowly. Based on these results, films containing 54 % HPMC and 26 % PVA were selected as optimal formulation. Moreover, it was found that optimal film containing probiotic extract could inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Regarding to the obtained results, probiotic oral adhesive mucoadhesive films can be considered as a promising alternative to traditional methods in the treatment of candidiasis.