Physical Dissolution Assays of Polymer Film Strips of Griseofulvin

The objective of this study was to integrate the anti-solvent synthesis of micron-scale particles, their stabilization in the aqueous suspensions and subsequent synthesis of polymer films for drug delivery. We used the antifungal agent griseofulvin (GF) whose aqueous solubility is only 12 μg/ml resulting in a poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract when administered orally. The side effects and intake of this drug can be minimized by improving the effectiveness in terms of increasing the drug dissolution rate. The following films were prepared- a) GF films with 57% HPMC with GF:HPMC E4M:PVP ratio 4:8:0;b) GF films with 57% HPMC with PVP ratio 4:8:1; c) GF films with 67% HPMC ratio 4:12:0; d) GF films with 67% HPMC with PVP ratio 4:12:1. It was evident that 100% of GF in the film released at the end of 50 mins for 57% of HPMC film formulation. As the amount of HPMC increased from 57% to 70%, the drug release decreased with distinct differences in drug release profiles observed (Figure 1a). This could be attributed to the fact that the pores of high molecular weight HPMC blocked up quickly and inhibited further liquid uptake, which resisted dilution and erosion and subsequently resulted in slower drug diffusion and release rates. For the films prepared with addition of PVP in the formulation, the drug release profiles did not change significantly compared with the ones without PVP (Figure 1b).