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Fused deposition modelling for the development of drug loaded cardiovascular prosthesis
Niamh K Martin1, Juan Domínguez-Robles1, Sarah A Stewart1
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road 97, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
Insights
This study introduces a 3D printing method for creating medicated vascular prostheses using fused deposition modeling. The developed prostheses release rifampicin, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing infections in vascular grafts.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases are a leading global cause of death.
- Current vascular prostheses carry risks like infection and blood clots.
- Medicated vascular prostheses offer a solution to mitigate these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D printing method for creating medicated vascular prostheses.
- To incorporate rifampicin (RIF) into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for infection prevention.
- To prepare and evaluate dual-drug-eluting vascular grafts.
Main Methods:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology was employed.
- Rifampicin (RIF) was combined with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) via hot melt extrusion (HME).
- Filaments with varying RIF concentrations (0-1% w/w) were produced and tested for drug release and antimicrobial activity.
Main Results:
- TPU-RIF filaments demonstrated drug release over 30-80 days.
- Materials inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth, even at 0.1% RIF concentration.
- TPU with 1% RIF maintained antimicrobial properties for over 30 days.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing offers a viable method for producing medicated vascular prostheses.
- RIF-loaded TPU vascular grafts effectively prevent bacterial infections.
- Dual-drug-eluting grafts can be fabricated using this 3D printing approach.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases constitute a number of conditions which are the leading cause of death globally. To combat these diseases and improve the quality and duration of life, several cardiac implants have been developed, including stents, vascular grafts and valvular prostheses. The implantation of these vascular prosthesis has associated risks such as infection or blood clot formation. In order to overcome these limitations medicated vascular prosthesis have been previously used. The present paper describes a 3D printing method to develop medicated vascular prosthesis using fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology. For this purpose, rifampicin (RIF) was selected as a model molecule as it can be used to prevent vascular graft prosthesis infection. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and RIF were combined using hot melt extrusion (HME) to obtain filaments containing RIF concentrations ranging between 0 and 1% (w/w). These materials are capable of providing RIF release for periods ranging between 30 and 80 days. Moreover, TPU-based materials containing RIF were capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. This behaviour was observed even for TPU-based materials containing RIF concentrations of 0.1% (w/w). TPU containing 1% (w/w) of RIF showed antimicrobial properties even after 30 days of RIF release. Alternatively, these methods were used to prepare dipyridamole containing TPU filaments. Finally, using a dual extrusion 3D printer vascular grafts containing both drugs were prepared.
