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3D printed biodegradable multifunctional implants for effective breast cancer treatment
Matteo Di Luca1, Clare Hoskins2, Francesca Corduas3
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli, 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|November 6, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D bioprinted scaffold for breast cancer therapy, featuring two layers for controlled drug release and radiation enhancement. This innovative approach aims to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Optimizing drug delivery from implants is crucial for therapeutic safety and efficacy.
- 3D bioprinting offers advanced capabilities for creating complex implantable scaffolds.
- Current breast cancer therapies can be improved with targeted drug delivery and enhanced radiation treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a two-layered implantable scaffold using 3D bioprinting for synergistic breast cancer therapy.
- To engineer the first layer for controlled release of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU).
- To design the second layer for radiation enhancement using Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized Poly-ε-Caprolactone (PCL) and Chitosan (CS) for the drug-eluting layer.
- Incorporated 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) into the first layer for sustained release.
- Fabricated the second layer using PCL and loaded it with Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs).
- Performed in vitro drug release tests to evaluate the release profile of 5-FU.
Main Results:
- The first layer demonstrated a controlled release of 5-FU over 4 weeks, with an initial burst release of 17.22% followed by sustained release, reaching approximately 32% after one month.
- The second layer, containing AuNPs, is designed for radiation enhancement.
- The PCL matrix offers a long biodegradation time, suggesting potential as an alternative to conventional chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D bioprinted scaffold effectively controls drug release, potentially improving breast cancer treatment.
- The dual-layer design allows for synergistic therapeutic effects, combining chemotherapy and radiation enhancement.
- This technology holds promise for personalized medicine by optimizing drug delivery to patient-specific needs.
