Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Integrated in 3D-Printed Dosage Forms for Advanced Iron Supplementation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Iron deficiency is a global health issue with limited oral supplement efficacy.
• Conventional iron salts suffer from poor bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects.
• Novel drug delivery systems are needed to improve oral iron supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize 3D printed tablets (printlets) incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) for oral iron supplementation.
• To evaluate the dissolution profiles and in vivo toxicity of these novel iron oxide nanoparticle-loaded printlets.
• To explore the potential of additive manufacturing for creating advanced oral dosage forms.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of bare and citrate-coated Fe3O4 NPs.
• Incorporation of NPs into poly(vinyl alcohol) filaments using hot-melt extrusion for 3D printing (Fused Deposition Modeling).
• In vitro dissolution studies under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions and in vivo zebrafish embryo toxicity assays.

Main Results:

• Fe3O4 NPs were successfully incorporated and homogeneously distributed within 3D printed tablets.
• Citrate-coated NPs enhanced iron release at pH 6.8, improving dissolution compared to bare NPs.
• Zebrafish assays demonstrated low acute toxicity for both NP suspensions and printlets, with citrate coating mitigating adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing of iron oxide nanoparticles offers a viable platform for advanced oral iron supplements.
• This technology provides customizable dosage forms with improved iron dissolution and low toxicity.
• The developed printlets represent a proof-of-concept for personalized iron supplementation therapies.