In Vitro Release Study of Nystatin from Chitosan Buccal Gel

Bioadhesive nystatin gel formulations with chitosan as gelling agent were developed and evaluated for in vitro release properties and antifungal activity. Different concentrations of nystatin (1, 2 and 3% w/w) , chitosan (5, 6 and 7% w/w) and various solubilizing agents (glycerol, Polyethylene glycol 400, Sodium lauryl sulphate, Tween 20, Tween 60 and Propylene glycol) were used to prepare the gels. The best release profile of nystatin was obtained with 2% w/w nystatin, 5%w/w chitosan and 10% w/w propylene glycol and it occurs through fickian diffusion mechanisms. The effect of preparation method was also evaluated and it was found that a significant increment in nystatin release from the selected formula was obtained with 3% acetic acid. The viscosity of the prepared gels increases significantly with increasing chitosan concentration (p 0.05) and incorporation of nystatin into the gel has no significant effect on viscosity. In vitro microbiological study for antifungal activity of the selected formula was performed and compared with the commercially available nystatin suspension; results indicated that chitosan significantly enhanced the antifungal activity of nystatin against Candida albicans.