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3D-printed Laponite/Alginate hydrogel-based suppositories for versatile drug loading and release
Elena Munoz-Perez1,2, J Rubio-Retama3, Lorena Cussó4,5,6
1NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain.
Drug Delivery and Translational Research
|January 7, 2024
Summary
This study introduces novel 3D-printed suppositories (3DPS) using a Laponite-alginate hydrogel. A new post-printing drug loading method enhances versatility and release, showing promising in vivo results for rectal therapies.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional suppositories face limitations, hindering rectal therapy progress.
- Additive manufacturing offers innovative suppository fabrication but lacks material advancements.
- Existing 3D-printed suppository (3DPS) methods often use conventional vehicles, limiting development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel Laponite-alginate hydrogel-based 3D-printed suppository (3DPS).
- To introduce a new post-printing drug loading strategy for 3DPS.
- To enhance drug release and disintegration properties of 3DPS.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3DPS using a Laponite-alginate hydrogel ink.
- Development of a passive post-printing drug loading strategy for various molecular models.
- Implementation of a displacement strategy to modify Laponite matrices for improved drug release.
- In vivo evaluation of 3DPS in rat models.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of Laponite-alginate hydrogel-based 3DPS.
- Demonstrated versatility of post-printing loading for molecules of different charges and sizes.
- Enhanced drug diffusion and rapid disintegration of 3DPS achieved through matrix displacement.
- Positive in vivo behavior observed, with non-obstructive characteristics and normal intestinal motility in rats.
Conclusions:
- The novel Laponite-alginate hydrogel-based 3DPS with post-printing drug loading offers a versatile and efficient platform for rectal drug delivery.
- The developed strategies significantly improve drug release and suppository disintegration.
- The 3DPS exhibit suitable in vivo performance, paving the way for advanced rectal therapies.
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