How are oral strips manufactured?
The manufacturing of oral strips involves several key processes and materials, which vary depending on the desired properties of the final product. Generally, oral strips are composed of film-forming polymers, such as pullulan, pectin, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, combined with active ingredients and various additives like plasticizers and flavoring agents. One common method is hot-melt extrusion, where powder blends containing the active ingredient are heated and extruded to form thin strips. This process allows for uniform drug distribution and rapid hydration, enhancing the disintegration of the strips upon contact with the oral mucosa. Additionally, the strips are typically coated onto a backing sheet, dried to achieve the desired moisture content, and then cut into specified dimensions. Overall, the choice of materials and manufacturing techniques significantly influences the efficacy and user experience of oral strips, highlighting the importance of optimizing these parameters during production.