Characteristic Comparison of an Intraoral Thin Film Containing Astaxanthin Nanoemulsion Using Sodium Alginate and Gelatin Polymers

Objectives The present study was conducted to compare the characteristics of a thin film containing an astaxanthin-loaded nanoemulsion (TFANE) using two kinds of natural polymers, namely sodium alginate and gelatin. Materials and methods An astaxanthin nanoemulsion was prepared by using the self-nanoemulsifying method, followed by incorporation into a polymer matrix system by the solvent casting method to form TFANE. A characteristic comparison between the sodium alginate and gelatin matrix systems was carried out by comparing the physical and mechanical film properties. At the end of the study, in vitro dissolution tests were also assessed. Results An intraoral film with good physical and mechanical properties containing an astaxanthin-loaded nanoemulsion was developed successfully using a natural polymer matrix system. The film, made from a gelatin matrix system containing an astaxanthin nanoemulsion, was more flexible and harder than films made from a sodium alginate matrix system, where all of the films have ideal characteristics for intraoral delivery. The dissolution test results showed that, with both sodium alginate and gelatin, more than 90% of the drug was released at 15 minutes. Conclusion Gelatin as a natural polymer appears to be promising for the preparation of an intraoral thin film delivery system.