The role of biopolymer matrix films derived from carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol on the sustained transdermal release of diltiazem

Abstract Due to changing lifestyles of modern world, cardiac failures are increasing day by day. Drug delivery systems that can overcome the drawbacks of conventional drug administration are highly desired. Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ) is a common and effective drug used for cardiac failures. However, its efficient loading, high bio availability and sustained transdermal release from polymer matrix are of high demand. Herein, the main objective was to fabricate a transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) capable of efficient DTZ loading with sustained release. Owing to the high hydrophilicity of DTZ, a hydrophilic matrix comprising of poly ethylene glycol coated vinyl trimethoxy silane-g-chitosan (PEG@VTMS-g-CS) was developed. DTZ encapsulated copolymer was dispersed in matrices like sodium alginate (ALG), carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA). Economic viability and cosmetic attractiveness of the films were evaluated and optimum results were obtained for PVA matrix. The in vitro skin penetration study of DTZ on rat skin further demonstrated the efficacy of PVA based film which yielded more than 40.0% cell viability on HaCaT and PBMC cell line with no histological changes on the skin which further confirmed the practical utility of the prepared film.