Precision Printing of Customized Cylindrical Capsules with Multifunctional Layers for Oral Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Personalized medicine necessitates advanced drug formulations and delivery systems.
• Current oral drug delivery methods often lack precise control over release kinetics and targeting.
• Influenza treatment commonly involves synergistic drugs like paracetamol and chlorpheniramine maleate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, personalized oral drug delivery capsule using advanced printing and electrospinning techniques.
• To create a multi-layered capsule capable of separating into distinct components for controlled drug release.
• To investigate the potential of this capsule for targeted delivery of synergistic drugs and its compatibility with MRI imaging.

Main Methods:

• Microscale electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing of Poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) with paracetamol (APAP) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CM).
• Electrospinning (ES) of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers as interlayers between drug-loaded layers.
• In vitro characterization of capsule morphology, composition, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility.
• MRI imaging for temporal observation of drug release using Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated a concentric cylindrical capsule with distinct inner and outer drug-loaded layers separated by a dissolvable PVP interlayer.
• Demonstrated capsule separation in vitro upon PVP dissolution, facilitating sequential drug release.
• Confirmed biocompatibility and characterized mechanical and chemical properties of the printed and electrospun materials.
• Utilized MRI to visualize targeted drug release, showcasing the potential for temporal control.

Conclusions:

• A novel, custom-printed and electrospun capsule was developed for personalized oral multidrug delivery.
• The capsule's design allows for component separation and targeted drug release, advancing personalized medicine.
• This technology holds promise for improved influenza treatment and other conditions requiring controlled, multi-drug oral administration.