Abstract
Introduction: Skin can be used as a site for local
and systemic drug administration. Diffusion of
drugs through the skin has led to the development
of different transdermal drug delivery systems.
Curcumin is a wound healing and anti-inflammatory
agent. Curcumin was incorporated into biocomposite
films of carrageenan (κC)/locust bean gum (LBG)/
montmorillonite (MMT) prepared by a solvent
casting method.
Methods: Film-forming solutions were prepared by
adding and 2.5% v/v of propylene glycol and MMT
(30% w/w). The curcumin loaded polymer composite
transdermal films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Mechanical
properties in terms of tensile strength and extensibility were studied. Films were also evaluated for
moisture content, moisture uptake, thickness, folding endurance, swelling ratio and water vapor
transmission rate (WVTR).
Results: κC and κC/L40 showed the highest percent cumulative release of 80.42±1.61% and
69.38±1.26% among all of the polymer composite transdermal films in 8 hours and 24 hours
respectively.
Conclusion: In vitro release profiles showed that increasing concentration of LBG and MMT
sustained the release of the drug from the polymer composite transdermal films. Decreased
percent cumulative release as the concentration of LBG and MMT increases in polymer composite
transdermal film.