Optimization of chitosan-tapioca starch composite as polymer in the formulation of gingival mucoadhesive patch film for delivery of gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb) leaf extract.

The present study was intended to prepare and optimize the mucoadhesive buccal patch of gambier leaf extract using chitosan (CH) and tapioca starch (TS) composite as the polymer complexes. The patch formulation was designed based on 2 factorial design in order to optimize the composition of CH and TS. The physical and chemical characteristics of the prepared patches, including mass and thickness uniformity, folding endurance, surface pH, swelling index, percent of elongation, and mucoadhesive time were successfully evaluated.