Pectin-Aloe vera Gel Biopolymer Transdermal Patches for Prospective Limonene Delivery System: Characterization and in vitro Release Kinetics

Pectin-based transdermal systems suffer from inadequate mechanical properties and rapid biodegradation, limiting pharmaceutical applications. This study addresses these critical limitations through novel transdermal patches fabricated with varied pectin concentrations (7–11g) and Aloe vera (AV) gel extract (0–10% w/w) as a bioactive matrix for Citrus aurantifolia-derived limonene delivery. Patches were fabricated via solvent casting using pectin and AV gel, followed by characterization of physicochemical properties (swelling, moisture content, and biodegradation), surface morphology (SEM), and molecular interactions (FTIR). Mechanical properties were assessed by tensile testing and in vitro release studies were performed using a Franz diffusion cell with benzoylated dialysis membrane to evaluate release kinetics. Optimal formulations demonstrated a remarkable 7.39-fold tensile strength enhancement (6.070 ± 0.008 MPa), superior in vitro release kinetics, with 57.85 ± 0.60% initial burst release, and 94.61 ± 0.30% sustained delivery over 120 h. Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics (n = 0.472) confirmed non-Fickian diffusion mechanisms. Economic viability was established (production cost: 2.5 USD/L; net profit: 2.8 USD/L), presenting a commercially feasible and biodegradable solution for pharmaceutical applications. Future investigations will focus on in vivo evaluation to confirm the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of the developed patches.