Development of a transdermal formulation based on nanocellulose

Introduction. In many countries, dosage forms of dosed, continuous administration of medicinal substances (MS) into the bloodstream through the skin have been developed; they are able to bypass the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and do not have the disadvantages of injection. In transdermal therapeutic systems, the permeability, as well as the release of MS, occurs due to the polymer layers of the membrane. Nanocellulose is one of the promising materials among polymeric compounds for creating films; it is characterized by good stability, large surface area, optimal mechanical and optical properties. Objective: to develop the compositions of transdermal formulations based on nanocellose and medicinal substances (5 items). Material and methods. Nanofibrillar cellulose (cotton, wood, linen) was obtained by high-intensity mechanical processing of cotton, wood and linen cellulose fibers, on an APV2000-Lab high-pressure homogenizer, working pressure of homogenization 110 MPa. Substances of dexpanthenol, acyclovir, roxithromycin, tetracycline, levomycetin were provided by «Tatkhimfarmpreparaty» JSC. The rate of release of the active substance from the film was carried out in accordance with the requirements of GPM.1.4.2.0017.15 «Dissolution for transdermal patches». The amount of released MS was estimated by UV spectrophotometry using a Shimadzu instrument (Japan). Results. Films of the composition nanocellulose (cotton) - dimethyl sulfoxide - ethyl alcohol - medicinal substance were obtained; they were dense, stable, with dissolved and evenly distributed medicinal substance, without drying out and cracks. Evaluation of the drug release from the film showed that tetracycline, acyclovir, levomycetin are well released, in contrast to them, roxithromycin is not released, and presumably forms bonds with the film components. Conclusion. The obtained results of the development of a transdermal formulation and the evaluation of the release of MS make it possible to recommend nanofibrillar cellulose for further research as a component for creating soft dosage forms.