Damar Batu as a novel matrix former for the transdermal drug delivery: in vitro evaluation.

Purpose: Damar Batu (DB) is a novel film-forming biomaterial obtained from Shorea species, evaluated in this study for its potential application in transdermal drug delivery system.

Methods: DB was characterized initially in terms of acid value, softening point, molecular weight (M(w)), polydispersity index (M(w)/M(n)), and glass transition temperature (T(g)). Neat, plasticized films of DB were investigated for mechanical properties. The biomaterial was further investigated as a matrix-forming agent for transdermal drug delivery system. Developed matrix-type transdermal patches were evaluated for thickness and weight uniformity, folding endurance, drug content, in vitro drug release study, and skin permeation study.

Results: On the basis of in vitro drug release and in vitro skin permeation performance, formulation containing DB/Eudragit RL100 (60 : 40) was found to be better than other formulations and was selected as the optimized formulation. IR analysis of physical mixture of drug and polymer and thin layer chromatography study exhibited compatibility between drug and polymer.

Conclusion: From the outcome of this study, it can be concluded that applying suitable adhesive layer and backing membrane-developed DB/ERL100, transdermal patches can be of potential therapeutic use.