Three-Dimensional Printing Multi-Drug Delivery Core/Shell Fiber Systems with Designed Release Capability.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Controlled multi-drug delivery is crucial for localized disease treatment and tissue engineering.
• Existing systems often lack precise control over the release kinetics of multiple therapeutics.
• Hydrogel-based fiber systems offer potential for advanced drug delivery applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a triple-drug-loaded core/shell fiber system (CFS) using co-axial 3D printing.
• To demonstrate sequential and controlled release of multiple drugs from the CFS.
• To evaluate the potential of the CFS for localized cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a core/shell fiber system (CFS) using co-axial 3D printing of hydrogel inks.
• Loading of three model drugs (Doxorubicin in core, others in shell/channel) into the CFS.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug release profiles and therapeutic efficacy.
• Incorporation of stimuli-responsive elements (NIR or pH) for enhanced control.

Main Results:

• The CFS successfully achieved sequential release of three drugs, with distinct release rates (shell > core > channel).
• Drug release kinetics were tunable by altering fiber structure, gel concentration, cross-linking, and orifice design.
• Stimuli-responsive drug release (NIR/pH) was demonstrated by incorporating specific materials.
• The drug-loaded CFS exhibited effective localized cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-printed core/shell fiber system provides a versatile platform for controlled sequential and stimuli-responsive multi-drug delivery.
• This technology holds significant promise for advanced applications in localized disease treatment and regenerative medicine.
• Precise control over drug release kinetics can be achieved through careful design of the CFS architecture and composition.