Development of mucoadhesive cellulose derivatives based films for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis

The development of easily administered targeted delivery for vaginal candidiasis is an area of active research. Challenges emerge from the specific conditions that may not permit enough time for the dosage form to reside on the infected area. Herein, we propose to develop films based on cellulose derivatives for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. Gels of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) (F1), equal combination of Na-CMC and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) (F2) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) (F3) were prepared and loaded with nystatin (NYS). The resultant gels were dried using solvent casting and characterized to detect glass transition temperature (T-g), mechanical properties, mucoadhesion, inhibition of candida growth toxicity on human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK) cells and drug release. T-g was affected by the polymer type and was found to be highest in F2, where equal ratios of HEC and Na-CMC were used. Mucoadhesion was highest in F1 (Na-CMC) films. The films showed moderate toxicity. The zone of inhibition was observed for the three formulations. Drug release was affected by the polymer type and was complete after 8 h in F2. The findings allowed concluding that the cellulose derivative based films were successfully prepared and were efficient in allowing the drug to elute and minimizing the growth of candida.