PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NATIVE AND ACETYLATED MUCILAGES FROM SELECTED PLANTS FOR POTENTIAL USE IN ORAL FILM FORMULATIONS

Alheri Bwala Samaila; Jennifer Drambi Audu-Peter; Ndidi Charity Ngwuluka

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v11i1.1487

Alheri Bwala Samaila Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria.
Jennifer Drambi Audu-Peter Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos.
Ndidi Charity Ngwuluka Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.

10.22270/ujpr.v11i1.1487

Keywords:

Acetylation, mucilage, natural polymers, oral films, physicochemical properties

Abstract

Background: Natural mucilages have gained attention as sustainable polymeric excipients for oral film formulations due to their biodegradability and availability. However, their practical application is limited by high viscosity and excessive swelling, which negatively affect film casting andperformance. The growing demand for patient-centred and patient-specific dosage forms has increased interest in excipients suitable for sublingual drug delivery, a route that offers improved bioavailability by bypassing the first-pass metabolism. Although natural mucilages have been explored as film-forming matrices, their physicochemical limitations necessitate modification. This study aimed to improve the suitability of selected natural mucilages for oral film formulation through acetylation.

Methods: Native mucilages from Azanza garckeana fruit, Abelmoschus esculentus pods, Cissus populnea stem, Sesamum indicum leaves, and Grewia mollis stem were chemically modified by acetylation, and placebo films prepared by solvent-casting method from both native and acetylated mucilages were evaluated for physicochemical properties

Result: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful acetylation indicated by appearance of ester carbonyl stretching bands and reduced hydroxyl stretching intensity. Acetylation significantly reduced viscosity, swelling index and moisture content compared with native mucilages, while pH values remained within acceptable limits for oral administration. Placebo films prepared from some acetylated mucilages, particularly Grewia and Abelmoschus, exhibited physicochemical properties comparable to those of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Conclusion: Acetylation effectively enhanced the functional properties of the studied mucilages, improving their performance as biodegradable film-forming excipients and supporting their potential use in oral film formulations.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 December 2025; Reviewed 11 January 2026; Accepted 13 February; Available online 15 March 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com