Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing of ascorbic acid loaded hydrogels: A controlled release study

Standard drug production methods limit tablet shapes and drug combinations. These constraints may reduce treatment effectiveness for individuals with unique physiological needs. Prior research has shown that 3D printing can overcome some of these limitations by enabling custom geometries. However, no prior work had resolved how to apply 3D printing to water-soluble vitamins like ascorbic acid. This gap motivated the investigation of stereolithography for drug-loaded hydrogels. The study aims to explore whether 3D printing can be adapted to encapsulate and release ascorbic acid effectively. The novelty lies in using a biocompatible photochemistry system with riboflavin as a photoinitiator. The approach seeks to expand the range of drug delivery applications through customizable tablet structures.

The goal is to assess the feasibility of stereolithography 3D printing for controlled release of ascorbic acid. The researchers propose to develop a system that allows for personalized drug geometries and dosing. They aim to test whether different tablet shapes influence release rates. The motivation stems from the need to improve drug delivery for individual patient needs. The study focuses on a biocompatible polymer network with ascorbic acid as a model drug. The researchers also seek to determine which geometries optimize release efficiency. Their approach involves comparing various tablet designs under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The ultimate aim is to establish a new method for encapsulating water-soluble vitamins and drugs.

The team uses stereolithography 3D printing to fabricate hydrogel tablets. They employ a poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate polymer network with ascorbic acid encapsulated. Riboflavin acts as the photoinitiator in the printing process. Five distinct geometries are printed: small and large tablets, coaxial annulus, 4-circle pattern, and honeycomb pattern. Each design has a unique surface area to volume ratio. The tablets are analyzed for microstructure using imaging techniques. Cumulative release rates are measured in simulated gastrointestinal conditions over six hours. The data is fitted to empirical kinetic models to assess release patterns.

Honeycomb and coaxial annulus geometries show the highest release rates after one hour, reaching approximately 80%. Other geometries have lower release rates, with small tablets at around 50%. The Higuchi model provides the best fit for the release data across all geometries. The release rates correlate with surface area to volume ratios, with higher ratios associated with faster release. The printed tablets maintain structural integrity during the release process. The biocompatible photochemistry system successfully encapsulates ascorbic acid without degradation. The study demonstrates that stereolithography can produce customized drug geometries. The findings suggest that 3D printing can be adapted for water-soluble drug delivery.

The authors propose that stereolithography 3D printing can successfully encapsulate and release ascorbic acid. The study shows that tablet geometry significantly affects release rates. The Higuchi model best describes the release kinetics in this system. The results suggest that customized geometries can be tailored for specific drug delivery needs. The use of riboflavin as a photoinitiator supports biocompatibility in the printing process. The findings open new possibilities for manufacturing water-soluble drug-loaded hydrogels. The approach may allow for personalized drug geometries and dosing. The study supports the potential of 3D printing in expanding drug delivery applications.