SMART FILMS ON SKIN: THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF FILM-FORMING DRUG-DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Madhuri Damane*, Sameer Shafi, Swami Shivlila, Waghmare Pranita, Gadhave Ankita
ABSTRACT
Film-forming systems (FFS) are emerging as innovative topical and transdermal drug-delivery platforms designed to overcome the limitations of traditional dosage forms such as creams, gels, and patches. These systems consist of drugs incorporated into polymeric solutions, gels, or emulsions that transform into thin, flexible films upon solvent evaporation after skin application. By forming an adherent film, FFS provide prolonged contact with the skin, controlled and sustained drug release, improved bioavailability, and enhanced patient compliance. Unlike patches, they offer better cosmetic acceptability, reduced irritation, and superior conformity to skin contours. Key components include polymers, plasticizers, volatile solvents, and suitable drugs with optimal physicochemical properties for skin permeation. FFS have demonstrated applications across wound healing, antifungal therapy, pain management, anti-inflammatory delivery, and protective barrier formation. Evaluation parameters such as pH, viscosity, tensile strength, drying time, drug content, permeation, spray characteristics, and stability ensure performance and safety. Although promising, few marketed products exist due to limited clinical data. Continued research is needed to optimize formulation efficiency and establish FFS as reliable alternatives for topical and transdermal drug delivery. This review provides an in-depth exploration of film-forming systems, highlighting their principles, mechanisms, essential formulation components, types, evaluation methods, marketed preparations, therapeutic applications, and future prospects in topical drug delivery.
Keywords: Film-forming systems, Topical drug delivery, Transdermal delivery, Polymeric films, Sustained release, Skin permeation.
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