Next-Generation Oral Delivery Systems: Phytosomal Hinokitiol Tablets via REGEMAT 3D Bioprinter-Based 3D Printing for...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Hinokitiol, a natural compound, shows therapeutic promise, especially for breast cancer.
• Poor solubility and low bioavailability limit hinokitiol's clinical use.
• Previous liquid phytosomal formulations require enhancement for better drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop 3D-printed oral tablets incorporating hinokitiol-loaded phytosomes.
• To enhance the pharmacokinetic performance and therapeutic efficacy of hinokitiol.
• To create a novel drug delivery system for poorly soluble bioactive compounds.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of 3D-printed tablets using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based paste with pure hinokitiol or hinokitiol-loaded phytosomes.
• Quality control tests: weight variation, thickness, drug content, friability, and in vitro dissolution.
• Characterization using scanning electron microscopy, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and pharmacokinetic evaluation in rats.

Main Results:

• Phytosome-loaded tablets exhibited a denser structure and improved drug release profiles.
• Molecular simulations confirmed stable interactions between hinokitiol and target proteins, suggesting anticancer mechanisms.
• In vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated superior drug release and bioavailability from phytosome-loaded tablets.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed tablets with hinokitiol-loaded phytosomes represent a promising drug delivery system.
• This approach significantly enhances hinokitiol's bioavailability, drug release, and therapeutic efficacy.
• The integration of nanotechnology and 3D printing offers a viable strategy for improving the clinical application of poorly soluble drugs.