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Reducing Temperature of Fused Deposition Modelling 3D Printing for Linalool Fast Dissolving Oral Films by Increasing
Touraj Ehtezazi1, Asmaa Kteich2, Rana Abdulkarim2
1Centre for Natural Product Discovery, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom.
Three-dimensional printing of fast dissolving oral films (FDFs) with linalool oil offers a promising alternative for treating drug-resistant oral thrush and throat infections. Optimizing printing nozzle diameter reduced temperature, preserving the active ingredient for enhanced antifungal efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Mycology
Background:
- Oral thrush and throat infections are common, but drug resistance poses a significant treatment challenge.
- Linalool oil exhibits potential antifungal properties against relevant pathogens.
- Fast dissolving oral films (FDFs) offer an alternative drug delivery route for oral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using three-dimensional printing (3DP) to fabricate FDFs containing linalool oil.
- To evaluate the impact of printing parameters on linalool content, film properties, and antifungal activity.
- To identify optimal printing conditions for preserving linalool integrity and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Fused deposition modeling was employed to print linalool oil FDFs with varying concentrations (1-18% w/w).
- Printing parameters, including nozzle diameter (0.4 or 1 mm) and temperature (150-185°C), were systematically varied.
- Physicochemical, mechanical, and antifungal properties (against Candida albicans) of the printed FDFs were assessed.
Main Results:
- Increasing nozzle diameter to 1 mm enabled lower printing temperatures (150°C), improving linalool content uniformity and preservation.
- Higher linalool content correlated with increased film disintegration time and mechanical strength.
- FDFs with 10% w/w linalool demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
- Raman spectroscopy indicated potential linalool degradation at higher printing temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing 3DP parameters, specifically increasing nozzle diameter, can reduce printing temperature and prevent the loss of active ingredients like linalool.
- 3D printed FDFs of linalool oil present a viable strategy for developing effective treatments against drug-resistant oral and throat infections.
- Further research into viscoelastic properties is crucial for successful 3DP of such formulations.
