Coupling AFM, DSC and FT-IR towards Elucidation of Film-Forming Systems Transformation to Dermal Films: A Betamethasone Dipropionate Case Study

Polymeric film-forming systems have emerged as an esthetically acceptable option for targeted, less frequent and controlled dermal drug delivery. However, their dynamic nature (rapid evaporation of solvents leading to the formation of thin films) presents a true characterization challenge. In this study, we tested a tiered characterization approach, leading to more efficient definition of the quality target product profiles of film-forming systems. After assessing a number of physico-chemico-mechanical properties, thermal, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were introduced. Final confirmation of betamethasone dipropionate-loaded FFS biopharmaceutical properties was sought via an in vitro skin permeation study. A number of applied characterization methods showed complementarity. The sample based on a combination of hydrophobic Eudragit(®) RS PO and hydroxypropyl cellulose showed higher viscosity (47.17 ± 3.06 mPa·s) and film thickness, resulting in sustained skin permeation (permeation rate of 0.348 ± 0.157 ng/cm(2) h), and even the pH of the sample with Eudragit(®) NE 30D, along with higher surface roughness and thermal analysis, implied its immediate delivery through the epidermal membrane. Therefore, this study revealed the utility of several methods able to refine the number of needed tests within the final product profile.