Gellan gum and pectin buccal films containing itraconazole for the potential treatment of oral candidiasis: polymer ratios and crosslinker impact on physicochemical and mucoadhesive properties

Polymeric films are effective for topical drug delivery due to their flexibility and adaptability, which are advantageous for patients who have difficulty with traditional dosage forms. Films can offer extended residence times and controlled drug release based on their composition. Gellan gum (GG) and pectin (P) are promising materials due to their mucoadhesive properties and pH-responsive behavior. In this study, GG/P films, crosslinked with Ca2+ and/or Al3+ containing or not itraconazole (ITZ), were developed for the potential treatment of oral candidiasis. Films were produced by ionotropic gelation method followed by solvent casting and assessed for macroscopic appearance, thickness, surface pH, mechanical properties, saliva uptake, erosion, and mucoadhesion. The films’ surface pH ranged from 4.7 to 5.5, with a thickness of <1 mm. Average saliva uptake was 9.32 mL/g, and the erosion varied from 13% to 44%, with films based on GG:P (4:1) and crosslinked with Ca2+ showing the lowest value. Films exhibited elongation before perforation from 0.78% to 2.43% and breaking point from 17.44 to 66.44 mPa. Films showed high mucoadhesive capacity, and the incorporation of ITZ did not affect this property, resulting in greater mechanical strength and lower erosion. The set of data proved that the developed platform is promising for the proposed application.