Carboxymethyl cellulose-based orally disintegrating films enriched with natural plant extract for oral iron delivery

The aim of this work was to provide an alternative for iron intake using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based orally disintegrating films (ODF) containing ora-pro-nobis (OPN) extract or microparticles. The novelty is based on the use of iron from an alternative vegetable source into ODF systems employing only natural compounds. OPN is a native and underused plant that presents high contents of proteins and minerals. Different formulations of CMC-based ODF were produced employing the tape casting technique and characterised by colour parameters, contact angle, surface pH, mechanical properties, oral disintegration time, infrared spectroscopy, microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and iron release. The results indicated the formation of hydrophilic systems with fast disintegrating times (<50 s) for all formulations. The release of iron occurred in a maximum time of 26 and 50 min for CMC-based ODF-microparticles and CMC-based ODF-OPN extract, respectively, following a Fickian diffusion mechanism. The systems developed could be a potential and innovative application for a vehicle of oral iron intake, facilitating the reduction of iron-related diseases in human health.