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Design, Development, and Characterization of Imiquimod-Loaded Chitosan Films for Topical Delivery

  • Research Article
  • Theme: Translational Multi-Disciplinary Approach for the Drug and Gene Delivery Systems
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Abstract

Aldara™ (5% w/w imiquimod) topical cream is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma. However, the cream formulation suffers from dose variability, low drug availability due to the incomplete release, and poor patient compliance. To achieve sustained and complete release of imiquimod, chitosan films were prepared by casting using propylene glycol as a plasticizer. Chitosan films had appropriate physicochemical characteristics for wound dressing and excellent content uniformity and maintained the original physical form of imiquimod. Films were capable of releasing a defined dose of imiquimod over a period of 7 days. The bioactivity of imiquimod was not affected by its entrapment in chitosan matrix as indicated by the results of in vitro growth inhibition assay. In addition, the film formulation showed significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher drug accumulation in the skin when compared to commercial cream formulation.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Hanna Iaizzo and Mamta Kapoor for conducting the preliminary studies. The mechanical tests were performed at the Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, USA

    Buddhadev Layek & Swayam Prabha

  2. Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, USA

    Saif S. Rahman Nirzhor, Sneha Rathi, Karunya K. Kandimalla, Timothy S. Wiedmann & Swayam Prabha

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  1. Buddhadev Layek
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Correspondence to Swayam Prabha.

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Guest Editors: Mahavir Bhupal Chougule, Vijaykumar B. Sutariya and Sudip K. Das

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Layek, B., Rahman Nirzhor, S.S., Rathi, S. et al. Design, Development, and Characterization of Imiquimod-Loaded Chitosan Films for Topical Delivery. AAPS PharmSciTech 20, 58 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-018-1288-5

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