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4D Printable Salicylic Acid Photopolymers for Sustained Drug Releasing, Shape Memory, Soft Tissue Scaffolds
Olivia King1, Maria M Pérez-Madrigal2,3,4, Erin R Murphy5,6,7
1Biomedical Engineering, Russ College of Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States.
Biomacromolecules
|September 25, 2023
Summary
This study showcases 3D printing of prodrugs for sustained drug delivery, creating complex tissue scaffolds with tunable properties and controlled release. This innovation enables advanced therapeutic strategies and potentially reduces complications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- 3D printing enables sustained drug release but faces processing limitations.
- Prodrug modification allows seamless integration into advanced manufacturing for complex drug depots.
- Current methods struggle with incorporating high drug loads into printable scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D printable prodrug tissue scaffolds using salicylic acid derivatives.
- To control physical and chemical properties of scaffolds through prodrug structure and linker selection.
- To achieve high drug loading and sustained, zero-order drug release.
Main Methods:
- Investigated salicylic acid derivatives and linker species for thiol-ene cross-linking.
- Utilized digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to create porous scaffolds.
- Analyzed photopolymerization reactivity, thermomechanical properties, and drug release kinetics.
- Assessed cytocompatibility of scaffolds using murine fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Developed highly reactive photopolymer resins with >50% salicylic acid loading.
- Achieved tunable elastomeric behaviors with low glass transition temperatures.
- Demonstrated zero-order, sustained drug release tuned by linker species.
- Confirmed cytocompatibility of prodrug scaffolds in 2D and 3D cultures.
Conclusions:
- Prodrug modification and DLP 3D printing enable creation of complex drug-eluting tissue scaffolds.
- Tunable mechanical properties and sustained release profiles are achievable.
- This approach offers novel therapeutic strategies with potential for reduced complications.
