Abstract

*Dr. Pravin Wakte, Dr. Sachin S Bhusari, Mr. Sumedh Pradhan, Mr. Shubham Santosh Shinganapure

ABSTRACT

Background: Mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery systems represent a promising alternative to conventional oral formulations, offering advantages such as bypass of hepatic first-pass metabolism, prolonged drug residence time, and improved bioavailability. The selection of appropriate polymers is critical for system performance, with both natural and synthetic options presenting distinct advantages and limitations. Objective: This comprehensive study evaluates the comparative performance of natural versus synthetic polymers in mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery systems, with particular emphasis on xyloglucan derived from Tamarindus indica as a representative natural polymer. Methods: A systematic comparison was conducted evaluating physicochemical properties, mucoadhesive strength, drug release characteristics, biocompatibility, stability profiles, and sustainability metrics of representative natural (xyloglucan, chitosan, pectin) and synthetic (polyacrylic acid, polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) polymers. Atorvastatin calcium served as the model drug for formulation studies. Results: Xyloglucan demonstrated superior mucoadhesive strength (1.08 ± 0.09 N) compared to synthetic alternatives, excellent biocompatibility with minimal histopathological changes (Grade 0-1), and complete biodegradability. Synthetic polymers showed higher mechanical consistency and extended stability but raised concerns regarding long-term tissue compatibility and environmental impact. Conclusion: Natural polymers, particularly xyloglucan, offer significant advantages in biocompatibility, sustainability, and mucoadhesive performance. However, synthetic polymers excel in reproducibility and stability. A hybrid approach combining natural and synthetic polymers may provide optimal therapeutic outcomes while addressing sustainability concerns.