Transmucosal delivery of linagliptin for the treatment of type- 2 diabetes mellitus by ultra-thin nanofibers

The objective of the present research was to cultivate an oral formulation of an anti-diabetic drug using polymeric nanofiber. A biodegradable polymer i.e. poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber loaded linagliptin was prepared using electro spinning technique. The drug entrapment in the developed nanofibers was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The in vivo study was performed on male Wistar rats to establish the pharmacodynamics behavior of developed formulation. The mucoadhesive strength results confirmed that the drug loaded PVA nanofiber patch had the highest mucoadhesion strength compare to PVA film and blank PVA nanofiber, due to its higher water holding capacity and surface area. The in vitro release study suggested that controlled release array of the drug from the nanofiber patch. In vivo activity validated the fact that linagliptin was delivered in its active state and showed visible results when compared to the commercial formulation. Additionally an encapsulation efficacy of 92% of the experimental formulation provides sufficient suggestion that the nanofibers serve as an ideal carrier for the delivery of linagliptin via the sublingual route.