Table 4. The spreadability results of the NDF-loaded thermosensitive in situ gels (n = 3).

Formulation	Work of shear (g.sec)	Stickiness (g)	Firmness (g)	Work of adhesion (g.sec)
N1	13.312 ± 0.294C	-60.250 ± 1.578C	35.289 ± 0.545C	-8.155 ± 0.218C
N2	27.500 ± 0.357C	-79.102 ± 0.938B	50.959 ± 0.192C	-12.327 ± 0.078C
N3	71.756 ± 11.401B	-110.277 ± 2.354A	135.704 ± 12.501B	-33.512 ± 4.539B
N4	104.857 ± 3.550A	-110.579 ± 5.881A	162.308 ± 10.204A	-43.721 ± 3.699A

Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n=3).

^A-CWithin each column, values not sharing a common superscript letter differ significantly (one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test, p < 0.05). Letters are assigned independently for each column, with “A” denoting the highest magnitude of the corresponding property.

Stickiness and work of adhesion are reported as negative values because they are derived from the withdrawal phase of the probe; more negative values therefore indicate stronger adhesive interaction. Superscript letters for these two parameters were assigned according to the absolute magnitude of the response.

ANOVA, analysis of variance.