Oral thin film: an innovative tool for nutraceutical delivery

Nutraceuticals have been gradually accepted as food ingredients which can provide health benefits and protection against several diseases. However, most nutraceuticals are susceptible to the changes in the external environment, resulting in a poor stability and absorption. One such relatively novel, inventive, and patient-centered innovation routed in this direction is oral thin film (OTF). OTFs are ultra-thin, stamp-sized, portable and patient-centric formulations with no need for water. This route allows for the absorption of drugs through the oral mucosa, effectively bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism in the liver and avoiding degradation or metabolism within the gastrointestinal tract. Accordingly, OTFs hold tremendous potential in gaining patient compliance, convenience and pharmacotherapy. This review highlights the utilization OTFs for nutraceutical delivery, including their types, preparation methods and the potential of OTFs as carriers for delivering plant extracts, bioactive molecules, vitamins, proteins and microorganisms. Moreover, the quality evaluation methods and applications of OTFs are summarized.