Modified glutinous rice starch-chitosan composite films for buccal delivery of hydrophilic drug.

The fabrication and characterization of ball-milling modified glutinous rice starch (MGRS):chitosan (CS) composite films were demonstrated. Effect of CS ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2 MGRS:CS) on the film properties was investigated. Lidocaine hydrochloride was used as a model hydrophilic drug. ATR-FTIR confirmed hydrogen bond formation between MGRS and CS. XRD indicated an amorphous state of all fabricated films. The uniform and comparable thickness, weight, and drug contents of all fabricated films were obtained. The presence of CS did not affect the mucoadhesiveness of MGRS films. The increase in tensile strength and decreases in elongation and folding endurance were observed with 1:2 MGRS:CS films. The film swelling and drug release decreased with the CS ratio. Drug permeation across porcine mucosa indicated the enhancement effect of CS, whereby the permeation flux of 1:2 MGRS:CS composite increased by 3 folds. In conclusion, the MGRS:CS composite could be useful for buccal delivery of hydrophilic drug.