Thin-film technology is based on thin polymeric dissolving films as a matrix for drug delivery through absorption from the oral cavity (buccal, sublingual) and/or from the gastro-intestinal tract. A film is prepared using hydrophilic polymers, plasticizer, API and other excipients, such as fillers, taste-masking, sweeteners or aroma. The high viscosity film formulation is casted on a release-liner to facilitate the removal of the film sheet from the platform after evaporation of the solvent. The film is composed of a dry polymer network.
The films can be designed to rapidly disintegrate or dissolve in the mount (orodispersible films, ODF) or be mucoadhesive (buccal, intestinal). For preparation of non-dissolving films the polymers can be covalently cross-linked. The drug can be either dissolved directly into the film matrix or be incorporated into nanoparticles that are embedded into the film matrix. By using of nanoparticles in the film matrix the drug release can be controlled.
We prepare the films by solvent-casting technology using an Erichsen Coatmaster 510 equipped with heatable platform and Wasag Film Applicator System with a defined gap height (see photo).
