Development of hyaluronic acid-based edible film for alleviating dry mouth

Abstract

For alleviating dry mouth symptoms, edible films based on hyaluronic acid (HA) with 3 different mw (800, 1200 and 2300 kDa) were prepared (800F, 1200F and 2300F, respectively), and the properties as well as effectiveness were compared. The concentration of each HA dispersion for film forming was set as 3.0 %, 1.5 % or 1.0 %, for the mw 800, 1200 and 2300 kDa, respectively, based on the solubility. The 800F showed the highest thickness, tensile strength, and water vapor transparency, whereas obtained the lowest transparency and elongation at break among samples. All of the HA films showed safety against microorganism during 28 storage day at 40 °C with 60 % humidity. The optimum site for film attachment in mouth was the palate, and 800F was the most effective for stimulating saliva secretion, eliciting a 38 % increase compared to control (without film), tested by the elderly over 65 years old. By the sensory test, 800F was also the most acceptable. Based on above results, the edible films effectively stimulating saliva secretion could be produced with HA, and the physical, sensory characteristics as well as disintegration times of the film could be controlled by mw and the dissolution concentration of HA.