Oral mucositis is an uncomfortable condition that involves the inflammation of the mouth’s mucous membranes. Researchers have developed a mucoadhesive film that uses xyloglucan along with antioxidant-rich green tea extract, which contains beneficial catechins. Due to its strong adhesive properties, this film sticks directly to the inflamed areas in the mouth. With components that are easy to find, it holds promise for delivering targeted relief and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Green tea serves as an excellent source of antioxidants, especially catechins—key polyphenols recognized for their protective qualities against oxidative damage in cells. These powerful compounds are adept at neutralizing harmful free radicals generated during cancer therapy. Moreover, green tea’s anti-inflammatory benefits can alleviate symptoms of oral mucositis, which is a painful inflammation of the mouth lining often triggered by chemotherapy and radiation.
The Tokyo University of Science (TUS) in Japan conducted research exploring the use of tea catechins as a novel treatment for oral mucositis, focusing on reducing discomfort for patients. Their findings were published online on January 14, 2025, and featured in Volume 10, Issue 1 of ACS Omega on December 19, 2024. The research was led by Professor Takehisa Hanawa, alongside Assistant Professor Kaoru Hirose, Ms. Rieko Nitto, and Mr. Shotaro Yokota, collaborating with Dr. Yayoi Kawano, currently a professor at Nagoya City University, as well as Dr. Akira Tabuchi, Ms. Yumeo Suzuki, and Dr. Kazuhiko Yamatoya from MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan.
The initiative aligns with TUS’s aim to advance research that supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (promoting good health and well-being) and SDG 9 (fostering industry, innovation, and infrastructure). “We aimed to create a user-friendly formulation for oral mucositis, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life and eat comfortably during cancer treatments,” said Prof. Hanawa.
Oral mucositis is experienced by 30-40% of cancer patients and can lead to significant pain due to damage to rapidly dividing mucosal cells. It disrupts daily activities, including eating and sleeping. To tackle this issue, researchers designed a thin mucoadhesive film infused with tea catechins that can be applied directly to sore areas for lasting relief. This flexible film bonds with the oral mucosal surface, delivering active ingredients like medications right where they are needed, offering a simpler, lower-cost, and more convenient option compared to traditional mucoadhesive tablets that generally have limited uses.
The films were formulated by combining xyloglucan (Xylo), a water-soluble polymer sourced from tamarind seeds, with green tea extract (TE) that boasts over 75% catechins, including more than 40% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Xylo acts as a natural thickening agent and creates a gel-like consistency similar to the mucin network found in the mouth, giving the film its mucoadhesive properties. With TE being readily available and affordable, along with its use as a food additive, it was selected as a gelling agent in this study. The research team examined the gelling properties of Xylo and TE alongside the physical and chemical attributes of both the gels and the finished films.
Researchers created two types of films: hydrogels, which were produced by drying Xylo/TE solutions at 4 °C for 24 hours, and xerogels, which were dried for seven days to produce sturdier, drier films. The hydrogel reverted to a liquid-like state at body temperatures (35-37 °C) and became fragile under slight pressure. In contrast, the xerogel films displayed exceptional mucoadhesive properties, sustaining up to ten times more force and showing performance similar to commercially available oral mucoadhesive films.
To evaluate the adhesive strength of the xerogel, researchers mimicked oral conditions using mucin disks coated with artificial saliva. The film was pressed onto the disk with a plunger, and the required force for it to detach was measured. Results showed that the films adhered well, with detachment forces matching or exceeding those of conventional products. The researchers also investigated the release of EGCG by soaking the films in water, observing that higher levels of Xylo enhanced the release of EGCG over time, highlighting the potential of these mucoadhesive films.
“Xylo/TE xerogel films exhibited high strength, properties resembling hydrogels due to their swift water absorption, and adhesion forces comparable to commercially available films,” stated Prof. Hanawa. The research team is now concentrated on refining the film’s design and evaluating its safety and efficacy through cell-based testing, moving closer to offering a promising treatment for oral mucositis.
