In-vitro bioadhesion of a buccal, miconazole slow-release tablet.

The bioadhesive characteristics of thermally modified starch/polyacrylic acid (PAA) tablets, containing miconazole nitrate, were determined. The detachment force and work of adhesion were significantly affected by the ratio of drum-dried waxy maize starch and PAA. Pure PAA showed the highest detachment force and work of adhesion while the lowest force and work of adhesion were observed for pure starch. There was a pronounced effect of molecular weight of PAA on the bioadhesive characteristics. Miconazole nitrate did not influence bioadhesion up to a concentration of 30%. The influence of additives was negligible and fluctuations of pH did not influence the bioadhesive strength of the tablet.