Joshua Boateng | University of Greenwich (original) (raw)

Papers by Joshua Boateng

Research paper thumbnail of ENHANCEMENT OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF AMOXICILLIN BY SOME GHANAIAN MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS

As part of our ongoing study to screen local herbs for their possible usefulness as anti-infectiv... more As part of our ongoing study to screen local herbs for their possible usefulness as anti-infectives, we assessed extracts from 16 medicinal plants for their antibacterial properties and their influence on the activity of amoxicillin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of amoxicillin against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were determined alone and in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of the extracts by the Kirby–Bauer agar diffusion method of antibacterial assay. Eleven out of 18 extracts exhibited antibacterial activity with MIC values below 20 mg/ml against at least one of the test bacteria employed. Amoxicillin activity against Staph. aureus was significantly (p<0.05) enhanced by the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of 5 extracts (Mallotus oppositifolius, Bidens pilosa, Morinda lucida, Croton membranaceus and Jatropha curcas). B. subtilis also became significantly susceptible to amoxicillin in the presence of 10 μg/ml extracts of B. pilosa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, M. oppositifolius, Momordica charantia, Anoclesta nobilis, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Moringa oleifera. Spathodia campanulata, M. lucida, M. oleifera and J. curcas leaf extracts also significantly reduced the MIC of amoxicillin against E. coli while S. typhi susceptibility was enhanced by the presence of A. nobilis, M. charantia and J. curcas extracts. We hereby report that sub-inhibitory concentrations of some plant extracts can enhance amoxicillin activity and these plants may provide lead compounds that may serve as cheap alternative adjuvants to clavulanic acid in amoxicillin formulations for the treatment of resistant opportunistic bacterial infections usually encountered among HIV/AIDS patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing the Antibacterial and Functional Properties of Cameroonian and Manuka Honeys for Potential Wound Healing—Have We Come Full Cycle in Dealing with Antibiotic Resistance?

Molecules, 2015

The increased incidence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has generated renewed interest in ... more The increased incidence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has generated renewed interest in &amp;amp;quot;traditional&amp;amp;quot; antimicrobials, such as honey. This paper reports on a study comparing physico-chemical, antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics (that potentially contribute in part, to the functional wound healing activity) of Cameroonian honeys with those of Manuka honey. Agar well diffusion was used to generate zones of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus while broth dilutions were used to study the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Non-peroxide activity was investigated by catalase for hydrogen peroxide reduction. The Cameroonian honeys demonstrated functional properties similar to Manuka honey, with strong correlations between the antioxidant activity and total phenol content of each honey. They were also as effective as Manuka honey in reducing bacteria load with an MIC of 10% w/v against all three bacteria and exhibited non-peroxide antimicrobial activity. These Cameroon honeys have potential therapeutic activity and may contain compounds with activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Antibacterial agents from such natural sources present a potential affordable treatment of wound infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria, which are a leading cause of amputations and deaths in many African countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of Mass Spectrometry for the discovery of Biomarker in human saliva: Quantification of Heavy metals in Saliva of Smokers and Non-Smokers using ICP-MS

Objective of this dissertation was to investigate heavy metals in the salivary samples of smokers... more Objective of this dissertation was to investigate heavy metals in the salivary samples of smokers and non-smokers using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as an application of mass spectrometry. 11 salivary samples were collected by spitting from 5 non-smokers and 6 smokers. All the samples were treated with nitric acid for the digestion. All treated samples were analysed for 10 heavy metals 52 Cr, 59 Co, 60 Ni, 66 Zn, 75 As, 111 Cd, 115 In, 139 La, 202 Hg, and 208 Pb. Among which, 66 Zn, 75 As and 208 Pb were found to be differing significantly in smokers and non-smokers. Zinc is the potent regulator of a protein called gustin. Gustin is the key component that maintains taste.

Research paper thumbnail of Development functional characterization of alginate dressing as potential protein delivery system for wound healing

International journal of biological macromolecules, Jan 26, 2015

This study aimed to develop and characterize stable films as potential protein delivery dressings... more This study aimed to develop and characterize stable films as potential protein delivery dressings to wounds. Films were prepared from aqueous gels of sodium alginate (SA) and glycerol (GLY) (SA:GLY 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 2:3, 2:1, 4:3). Purified recombinant glutathione-s-transferase (GST), green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GST fused in frame to GFP (GST-GFP) (model proteins) were characterized (SDS PAGE, Western blotting, immune-detection, and high sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry) and loaded (3.3, 6.6 and 30.2mg/g of film) into SA:GLY 1:2 film. These were characterized using texture analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy, swelling, adhesion, dissolution and circular dichroism (CD). The protein loaded dressings were uniform, with a good balance between flexibility and toughness. The films showed ideal moisture content required for protein conformation (TGA), interactions between proteins and film compo...

Research paper thumbnail of Formulation development of a carrageenan based delivery system for buccal drug delivery using ibuprofen as a model drug

Page 1. Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology, 2011, 2, 582-595 doi:10.4236/jbnb. 2011.22... more Page 1. Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology, 2011, 2, 582-595 doi:10.4236/jbnb. 2011.225070 Published Online December 2011 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/jbnb) Copyright © 2011 SciRes. JBNB Formulation Development of a Carrageenan Based ...

Research paper thumbnail of Carrageenan based freeze-dried wafers incorporating paracetamol and indomethacin for mucosal drug delivery

Research paper thumbnail of Taste masking of bitter APIs by using HME

Research paper thumbnail of Composite alginate and gelatin based bio-polymeric wafers containing silver sulfadiazine for wound healing

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2015

Lyophilized wafers comprising sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GE) (0/100, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, ... more Lyophilized wafers comprising sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GE) (0/100, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100 SA/GE, respectively) with silver sulfadiazine (SSD, 0.1% w/w) have been developed for potential application on infected chronic wounds. Polymer-drug interactions and physical form were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively, while morphological structure was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Functional characteristics [(mechanical hardness and adhesion using texture analyzer, and swelling capacity)] of blank wafers were determined as performed in order to select the optimal formulations for drug loading. Finally, the in vitro drug dissolution properties of two selected drug loaded wafers were investigated. There was an increase in hardness and a decrease in mucoadhesion with increasing GE content. FTIR showed hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between carboxyl of SA and amide of GE but no interaction between the polymers and drug was observed, with XRD showing that SSD remained crystalline during gel formulation and freeze-drying. The results suggest that 75/25 SA/GE formulations are the ideal formulations due to their uniformity and optimal mucoadhesivity and hydration. The drug loaded wafers showed controlled release of SSD over a 7 h period which is expected to reduce bacterial load within infected wounds.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and characterization of novel wound healing film dressings loaded with streptomycin and diclofenac

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Hot-Melt Extrusion: Process Technology to Pharmaceutical Products

ISRN Pharmaceutics, 2012

Over the last three decades industrial adaptability has allowed hot-melt extrusion (HME) to gain ... more Over the last three decades industrial adaptability has allowed hot-melt extrusion (HME) to gain wide acceptance and has already established its place in the broad spectrum of manufacturing operations and pharmaceutical research developments. HME has already been demonstrated as a robust, novel technique to make solid dispersions in order to provide time controlled, modified, extended, and targeted drug delivery resulting in improved bioavailability as well as taste masking of bitter active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This paper reviews the innumerable benefits of HME, based on a holistic perspective of the equipment, processing technologies to the materials, novel formulation design and developments, and its varied applications in oral drug delivery systems.

Research paper thumbnail of A proteomic approach combining MS and bioinformatic analysis for the detection and identification of biomarkers of administration of exogenous human growth hormone in humans

Proteomics. Clinical applications, 2009

An integrated MS-based proteomic approach is described that combines MALDI-MS and LC-MS with arti... more An integrated MS-based proteomic approach is described that combines MALDI-MS and LC-MS with artificial neural networks for the identification of protein and peptide biomarkers associated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration. Serum from exercised males administered with rhGH or placebo was analysed using ELISA to determine insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations. Diluted serum from rhGH- and placebo-treated subjects was analysed for protein biomarkers by MALDI-MS, whereas LC-MS was used to analyse tryptically digested ACN-depleted serum extracts for peptide biomarkers. Ion intensities and m/z values were used as inputs to artificial neural networks to classify samples into rhGH- and placebo-treated groups. Six protein ions (MALDI-MS) correctly classified 96% of samples into their respective groups, with a sensitivity of 91% (20 of 22 rhGH treated) and specificity of 100% (24 of 24 controls). Six peptide ions (LC-MS) were also identified and correctly class...

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Evaluation of Lyophilized Thiolated-Chitosan Wafers for Buccal Delivery of Protein

Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana), 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Chitosan

Research paper thumbnail of The mechanical properties of solvent cast films

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanical and dissolution properties of freeze-dried and solvent cast films

Research paper thumbnail of The use of MALDI/MS, LC/MS and artificial neural networks for detecting serum biomarkers of growth hormone administration in human subjects

Research paper thumbnail of Development of lyophilised wafers for mucosal drug delivery using thermal annealing

Research paper thumbnail of Development of stable polymeric lyophilised wafers for mucosal drug delivery using thermal annealing (DSC, freeze-drying)

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Enzyme Inhibitors on Laminated Thiolated Chitosan Xerogels for Buccal Delivery of Insulin

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and Evaluation of Solvent Cast Film Dressings Containing Streptomycin and Diclofenac for Wound Healing

Keywords: Polymer blend Polyox ® Solvent cast films Wound healing Plasticiser In vitro drug relea... more Keywords: Polymer blend Polyox ® Solvent cast films Wound healing Plasticiser In vitro drug release a b s t r a c t Streptomycin (STP) and diclofenac (DLF) loaded film dressings were prepared by blending Polyox ® (POL) with four hydrophilic polymers [hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carrageenan (CAR), sodium alginate (SA) or chitosan (CS)] using glycerol (GLY) as plasticiser. The films were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, texture analysis (tensile and swelling characteristics) and in vitro dissolution profiles using Franz diffusion cell. SEM showed homogeneous morphology for both blank (BLK) and drug loaded (DL) films. Films prepared by blending of POL with the other polymers showed a reduction in the crystallisation of POL in descending order of SA > CS > HPMC > CAR respectively. DSC and XRD showed no crystalline peaks of STP and DLF suggesting molecular dispersion of both drugs as well as possible drug interaction with negatively charged sulphate ions present in CAR. The DL films did not show any IR bands of both drugs, confirming the DSC and XRD results. POL-CAR-BLK films showed higher tensile strength (12.32 ± 1.40 MPa) than the POL-CAR-DL films (9.52 ± 1.12 MPa). DL films plasticised with 25% w/w GLY revealed soft and tough (tensile strength 1.02 ± 0.28 MPa, % elongation 1031.33 ± 16.23) formulations. The swelling capacities of POL-CAR-BLK and POL-CAR-DL films were (733.17 ± 25.78%) and (646.39 ± 40.39%), increasing to (1072.71 ± 80.30%) and (1051 ± 86.68%) for POL-CAR-BLK-25% GLY and POL-CAR-DL-25% GLY respectively. POL-CAR-DL films showed significantly (n = 3, p < 0.0318) lower cumulative release of STP and DLF (52.11 ± 1.34, 55.26 ± 2.25) compared to POL-CAR-DL-25% GLY films (60.07 ± 1.56, 63.39 ± 1.92) respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of ENHANCEMENT OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF AMOXICILLIN BY SOME GHANAIAN MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS

As part of our ongoing study to screen local herbs for their possible usefulness as anti-infectiv... more As part of our ongoing study to screen local herbs for their possible usefulness as anti-infectives, we assessed extracts from 16 medicinal plants for their antibacterial properties and their influence on the activity of amoxicillin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of amoxicillin against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were determined alone and in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of the extracts by the Kirby–Bauer agar diffusion method of antibacterial assay. Eleven out of 18 extracts exhibited antibacterial activity with MIC values below 20 mg/ml against at least one of the test bacteria employed. Amoxicillin activity against Staph. aureus was significantly (p<0.05) enhanced by the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of 5 extracts (Mallotus oppositifolius, Bidens pilosa, Morinda lucida, Croton membranaceus and Jatropha curcas). B. subtilis also became significantly susceptible to amoxicillin in the presence of 10 μg/ml extracts of B. pilosa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, M. oppositifolius, Momordica charantia, Anoclesta nobilis, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Moringa oleifera. Spathodia campanulata, M. lucida, M. oleifera and J. curcas leaf extracts also significantly reduced the MIC of amoxicillin against E. coli while S. typhi susceptibility was enhanced by the presence of A. nobilis, M. charantia and J. curcas extracts. We hereby report that sub-inhibitory concentrations of some plant extracts can enhance amoxicillin activity and these plants may provide lead compounds that may serve as cheap alternative adjuvants to clavulanic acid in amoxicillin formulations for the treatment of resistant opportunistic bacterial infections usually encountered among HIV/AIDS patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing the Antibacterial and Functional Properties of Cameroonian and Manuka Honeys for Potential Wound Healing—Have We Come Full Cycle in Dealing with Antibiotic Resistance?

Molecules, 2015

The increased incidence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has generated renewed interest in ... more The increased incidence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has generated renewed interest in &amp;amp;quot;traditional&amp;amp;quot; antimicrobials, such as honey. This paper reports on a study comparing physico-chemical, antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics (that potentially contribute in part, to the functional wound healing activity) of Cameroonian honeys with those of Manuka honey. Agar well diffusion was used to generate zones of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus while broth dilutions were used to study the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Non-peroxide activity was investigated by catalase for hydrogen peroxide reduction. The Cameroonian honeys demonstrated functional properties similar to Manuka honey, with strong correlations between the antioxidant activity and total phenol content of each honey. They were also as effective as Manuka honey in reducing bacteria load with an MIC of 10% w/v against all three bacteria and exhibited non-peroxide antimicrobial activity. These Cameroon honeys have potential therapeutic activity and may contain compounds with activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Antibacterial agents from such natural sources present a potential affordable treatment of wound infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria, which are a leading cause of amputations and deaths in many African countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of Mass Spectrometry for the discovery of Biomarker in human saliva: Quantification of Heavy metals in Saliva of Smokers and Non-Smokers using ICP-MS

Objective of this dissertation was to investigate heavy metals in the salivary samples of smokers... more Objective of this dissertation was to investigate heavy metals in the salivary samples of smokers and non-smokers using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as an application of mass spectrometry. 11 salivary samples were collected by spitting from 5 non-smokers and 6 smokers. All the samples were treated with nitric acid for the digestion. All treated samples were analysed for 10 heavy metals 52 Cr, 59 Co, 60 Ni, 66 Zn, 75 As, 111 Cd, 115 In, 139 La, 202 Hg, and 208 Pb. Among which, 66 Zn, 75 As and 208 Pb were found to be differing significantly in smokers and non-smokers. Zinc is the potent regulator of a protein called gustin. Gustin is the key component that maintains taste.

Research paper thumbnail of Development functional characterization of alginate dressing as potential protein delivery system for wound healing

International journal of biological macromolecules, Jan 26, 2015

This study aimed to develop and characterize stable films as potential protein delivery dressings... more This study aimed to develop and characterize stable films as potential protein delivery dressings to wounds. Films were prepared from aqueous gels of sodium alginate (SA) and glycerol (GLY) (SA:GLY 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 2:3, 2:1, 4:3). Purified recombinant glutathione-s-transferase (GST), green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GST fused in frame to GFP (GST-GFP) (model proteins) were characterized (SDS PAGE, Western blotting, immune-detection, and high sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry) and loaded (3.3, 6.6 and 30.2mg/g of film) into SA:GLY 1:2 film. These were characterized using texture analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy, swelling, adhesion, dissolution and circular dichroism (CD). The protein loaded dressings were uniform, with a good balance between flexibility and toughness. The films showed ideal moisture content required for protein conformation (TGA), interactions between proteins and film compo...

Research paper thumbnail of Formulation development of a carrageenan based delivery system for buccal drug delivery using ibuprofen as a model drug

Page 1. Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology, 2011, 2, 582-595 doi:10.4236/jbnb. 2011.22... more Page 1. Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology, 2011, 2, 582-595 doi:10.4236/jbnb. 2011.225070 Published Online December 2011 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/jbnb) Copyright © 2011 SciRes. JBNB Formulation Development of a Carrageenan Based ...

Research paper thumbnail of Carrageenan based freeze-dried wafers incorporating paracetamol and indomethacin for mucosal drug delivery

Research paper thumbnail of Taste masking of bitter APIs by using HME

Research paper thumbnail of Composite alginate and gelatin based bio-polymeric wafers containing silver sulfadiazine for wound healing

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2015

Lyophilized wafers comprising sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GE) (0/100, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, ... more Lyophilized wafers comprising sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GE) (0/100, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100 SA/GE, respectively) with silver sulfadiazine (SSD, 0.1% w/w) have been developed for potential application on infected chronic wounds. Polymer-drug interactions and physical form were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively, while morphological structure was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Functional characteristics [(mechanical hardness and adhesion using texture analyzer, and swelling capacity)] of blank wafers were determined as performed in order to select the optimal formulations for drug loading. Finally, the in vitro drug dissolution properties of two selected drug loaded wafers were investigated. There was an increase in hardness and a decrease in mucoadhesion with increasing GE content. FTIR showed hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between carboxyl of SA and amide of GE but no interaction between the polymers and drug was observed, with XRD showing that SSD remained crystalline during gel formulation and freeze-drying. The results suggest that 75/25 SA/GE formulations are the ideal formulations due to their uniformity and optimal mucoadhesivity and hydration. The drug loaded wafers showed controlled release of SSD over a 7 h period which is expected to reduce bacterial load within infected wounds.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and characterization of novel wound healing film dressings loaded with streptomycin and diclofenac

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Hot-Melt Extrusion: Process Technology to Pharmaceutical Products

ISRN Pharmaceutics, 2012

Over the last three decades industrial adaptability has allowed hot-melt extrusion (HME) to gain ... more Over the last three decades industrial adaptability has allowed hot-melt extrusion (HME) to gain wide acceptance and has already established its place in the broad spectrum of manufacturing operations and pharmaceutical research developments. HME has already been demonstrated as a robust, novel technique to make solid dispersions in order to provide time controlled, modified, extended, and targeted drug delivery resulting in improved bioavailability as well as taste masking of bitter active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This paper reviews the innumerable benefits of HME, based on a holistic perspective of the equipment, processing technologies to the materials, novel formulation design and developments, and its varied applications in oral drug delivery systems.

Research paper thumbnail of A proteomic approach combining MS and bioinformatic analysis for the detection and identification of biomarkers of administration of exogenous human growth hormone in humans

Proteomics. Clinical applications, 2009

An integrated MS-based proteomic approach is described that combines MALDI-MS and LC-MS with arti... more An integrated MS-based proteomic approach is described that combines MALDI-MS and LC-MS with artificial neural networks for the identification of protein and peptide biomarkers associated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration. Serum from exercised males administered with rhGH or placebo was analysed using ELISA to determine insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations. Diluted serum from rhGH- and placebo-treated subjects was analysed for protein biomarkers by MALDI-MS, whereas LC-MS was used to analyse tryptically digested ACN-depleted serum extracts for peptide biomarkers. Ion intensities and m/z values were used as inputs to artificial neural networks to classify samples into rhGH- and placebo-treated groups. Six protein ions (MALDI-MS) correctly classified 96% of samples into their respective groups, with a sensitivity of 91% (20 of 22 rhGH treated) and specificity of 100% (24 of 24 controls). Six peptide ions (LC-MS) were also identified and correctly class...

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Evaluation of Lyophilized Thiolated-Chitosan Wafers for Buccal Delivery of Protein

Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana), 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Chitosan

Research paper thumbnail of The mechanical properties of solvent cast films

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanical and dissolution properties of freeze-dried and solvent cast films

Research paper thumbnail of The use of MALDI/MS, LC/MS and artificial neural networks for detecting serum biomarkers of growth hormone administration in human subjects

Research paper thumbnail of Development of lyophilised wafers for mucosal drug delivery using thermal annealing

Research paper thumbnail of Development of stable polymeric lyophilised wafers for mucosal drug delivery using thermal annealing (DSC, freeze-drying)

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Enzyme Inhibitors on Laminated Thiolated Chitosan Xerogels for Buccal Delivery of Insulin

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and Evaluation of Solvent Cast Film Dressings Containing Streptomycin and Diclofenac for Wound Healing

Keywords: Polymer blend Polyox ® Solvent cast films Wound healing Plasticiser In vitro drug relea... more Keywords: Polymer blend Polyox ® Solvent cast films Wound healing Plasticiser In vitro drug release a b s t r a c t Streptomycin (STP) and diclofenac (DLF) loaded film dressings were prepared by blending Polyox ® (POL) with four hydrophilic polymers [hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carrageenan (CAR), sodium alginate (SA) or chitosan (CS)] using glycerol (GLY) as plasticiser. The films were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, texture analysis (tensile and swelling characteristics) and in vitro dissolution profiles using Franz diffusion cell. SEM showed homogeneous morphology for both blank (BLK) and drug loaded (DL) films. Films prepared by blending of POL with the other polymers showed a reduction in the crystallisation of POL in descending order of SA > CS > HPMC > CAR respectively. DSC and XRD showed no crystalline peaks of STP and DLF suggesting molecular dispersion of both drugs as well as possible drug interaction with negatively charged sulphate ions present in CAR. The DL films did not show any IR bands of both drugs, confirming the DSC and XRD results. POL-CAR-BLK films showed higher tensile strength (12.32 ± 1.40 MPa) than the POL-CAR-DL films (9.52 ± 1.12 MPa). DL films plasticised with 25% w/w GLY revealed soft and tough (tensile strength 1.02 ± 0.28 MPa, % elongation 1031.33 ± 16.23) formulations. The swelling capacities of POL-CAR-BLK and POL-CAR-DL films were (733.17 ± 25.78%) and (646.39 ± 40.39%), increasing to (1072.71 ± 80.30%) and (1051 ± 86.68%) for POL-CAR-BLK-25% GLY and POL-CAR-DL-25% GLY respectively. POL-CAR-DL films showed significantly (n = 3, p < 0.0318) lower cumulative release of STP and DLF (52.11 ± 1.34, 55.26 ± 2.25) compared to POL-CAR-DL-25% GLY films (60.07 ± 1.56, 63.39 ± 1.92) respectively.