DEVELOPMENT AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL NANOFIBER FORMULATIONS FOR USE IN ORAL ULCER TREATMENT

Objective: Oral ulcers are common lesions that negatively affect patients’ quality of life due to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate mucoadhesive nanofiber formulations containing hydrocortisone (HC) for the local treatment of oral ulcers. Material and Method: Different types of Eudragit (E100, S100, L100-55) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were used as mucoadhesive polymers. Nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning system. Nanofibers characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical testing, contact angle measurements, and ex vivo mucoadhesion studies for buccal application. Result and Discussion: Nanofibers were successfully produced with electrospinning. Thermal analyses confirmed the HC within the nanofibers. Mechanical and wettability studies showed that the nanofibers had suitable physical properties for buccal application. In ex vivo mucoadhesion tests of the formulations, values were 0.20 ± 0.05, 0.12 ± 0.03, and 0.14 ± 0.01 mJ cm⁻² for E2-HC, L2-HC, and S2-HC, respectively. Mucoadhesion tests demonstrated strong adhesion to the mucosal surface, indicating potential for extended residence time and effective local drug delivery. In vitro release profiles of formulations, HC released 40.26%, 47.87% and 47.03% at 1 h for E2-HC, L2-HC and S2-HC, respectively. The formulations demonstrated sustained release and favorable mucoadhesive strength, indicating potential clinical applicability. Hydrocortisone-loaded buccal electrospun nanofibers showed promise as a novel and effective drug delivery platform in the treatment of oral ulcers.