Intravaginal drug administration offers several advantages over other routes, primarily bypassing the initial stages of metabolism. Additionally, this route has demonstrated both local and systemic effects. Mucoadhesive polymeric systems can be utilized to prevent dose loss due to the mucous barriers and the formation of wet cavities. This study employed various techniques to evaluate the performance and characteristics of a mucoadhesive film composed of HPMC-PEG 400 containing retinyl palmitate and ketorolac molecules. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the porous structure of the film. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was conducted at different temperatures to assess thermal stability. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the functional groups and intermolecular interactions between the film and the drug. Swelling and weight loss tests indicated that the film disintegrated within 3–4 days. UV-VIS spectroscopy was used for drug release evaluation based on the Higuchi equation. Additionally, the surface wetting properties were assessed through contact angle measurements. The system’s biocompatibility was confirmed using the MTT assay. Finally, adhesion and glide tests demonstrated the film’s interaction with porcine uterine tissue. This study shows that the HPMC-PEG 400 film containing retinyl palmitate molecules interacts effectively with tissue and could be considered a novel tool for treating damaged epithelial tissues.

At present, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Current treatments for cervical cancer, most notably chemotherapy, can induce various adverse side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue, among others. Therefore, alternative therapies are being developed. Intravaginal drug delivery systems based on biopolymers are the subject of extensive research for the treatment of this condition. Some of the most sought-after qualities in these systems are mucoadhesiveness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, while ensuring controlled and prolonged drug release. Taking these aspects into consideration, this study develops hydrogel ovules composed of O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) and gelatin, crosslinked with genipin, containing retinyl palmitate at various concentrations, as well as curcumin. The characterization of functional groups and potential interactions between the polymeric matrix and the drugs was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Physicochemical tests, including swelling, contact angle, and in vitro degradation assays, were also performed to determine the system’s hydrophilicity and its potential duration of use. In vitro release assays for both curcumin and retinyl palmitate were conducted to investigate the release kinetics of these two substances. To assess the mucoadhesiveness of the ovules, a sliding analysis was conducted using porcine uterine tissue. Finally, cell viability studies were performed using mouse fibroblasts and HeLa cells to evaluate the system’s specificity. The results of this study demonstrate that the system, composed of gelatin, OCMC, retinyl palmitate, and curcumin, is mucoadhesive, hydrophilic, and exhibits controlled swelling behavior. In vitro assays demonstrated that the system maintains control of both degradation and drug release for up to 72 h; moreover, it proved non-toxic to healthy cells, with the incorporation of curcumin shown to enhance the selective cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Based on the foregoing, this drug delivery system containing retinyl palmitate represents a promising potential intravaginal treatment for cervical cancer.