Development of oral mucoadhesive formulations based on polymethyl methacrylate polymer

In the present study, the suitability of polymethyl methacrylate salts for the controlled release of drugs was investigated by considering the pH and dynamic mechanical behaviour of the formulations designed (hydrogel, film). These mucoadhesive formulations, containing anaesthetic or antimicrobial drug, increase oral residence time at the site of disease and thus improve mucosal availability and efficacy. For hydrogel viscoelastic behaviour, crossover points and a weak gel structure, were noted. The rotational mobility of spin-labelled lidocaine within the polymeric network of hydrogels was found to be relatively unimpeded in comparison to its impeded motion within film. The release kinetics of lidocaine are zero order. The release rate is significantly reduced with increasing polymethyl methacrylate polymer concentration. For metronidazole, in contrast to the hydrogel, prolonged release from the film was found.