Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> The development of targeted drug delivery systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients with narrow absorption windows is crucial for improving their bioavailability. This study proposes a novel 3D-printed expandable drug delivery system designed to precisel...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Micol Cirilli, Julius Krause, Andrea Gazzaniga, Werner Weitschies, Matteo Cerea, Christoph Rosenbaum
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Pharmaceutics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/29
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1832587708777627648
author Micol Cirilli
Julius Krause
Andrea Gazzaniga
Werner Weitschies
Matteo Cerea
Christoph Rosenbaum
author_facet Micol Cirilli
Julius Krause
Andrea Gazzaniga
Werner Weitschies
Matteo Cerea
Christoph Rosenbaum
author_sort Micol Cirilli
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background/Objectives:</b> The development of targeted drug delivery systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients with narrow absorption windows is crucial for improving their bioavailability. This study proposes a novel 3D-printed expandable drug delivery system designed to precisely administer drugs to the upper small intestine, where absorption is most efficient. The aim was to design, prototype, and evaluate the system’s functionality for organ retention and targeted drug release. <b>Methods:</b> The system was created using 3D printing technologies, specifically FDM and SLA, with materials such as PLA and HPMC. The device was composed of matrices and springs, with different spring geometries (diameter, coil number, and cross-sectional shape) being tested for strength and flexibility. A gastro-resistant string was used to maintain the device in a compact configuration until it reached the neutral pH environment of the small intestine, where the string dissolved. The mechanical performance of the springs was evaluated using a texture analyzer, and the ability of the system to expand upon pH change was tested in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. <b>Results:</b> The results demonstrated that the system remained in the space-saving configuration for two hours under acidic conditions. Upon a pH change to 6.8, the system expanded as expected, with opening times of 5.5 ± 1.2 min for smaller springs and 2.5 ± 0.3 min for larger springs. The device was able to regain its expanded state, suggesting its potential for controlled drug release in the small intestine. <b>Conclusions:</b> This prototype represents a promising approach for targeted drug delivery to the upper small intestine, offering a potential alternative for drugs with narrow absorption windows. While the results are promising, further in vivo studies are necessary to assess the system’s clinical potential and mechanical stability in real gastrointestinal conditions.
format Article
id doaj-art-50be2e688fbc46c89b1951e76cefb97f
institution Kabale University
issn 1999-4923
language English
publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Pharmaceutics
spelling doaj-art-50be2e688fbc46c89b1951e76cefb97f2025-01-24T13:45:38ZengMDPI AGPharmaceutics1999-49232024-12-011712910.3390/pharmaceutics17010029Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug DeliveryMicol Cirilli0Julius Krause1Andrea Gazzaniga2Werner Weitschies3Matteo Cerea4Christoph Rosenbaum5Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, GazzaLaB, via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Strasse 3, 17489 Greifswald, GermanyDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, GazzaLaB, via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Strasse 3, 17489 Greifswald, GermanyDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, GazzaLaB, via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Strasse 3, 17489 Greifswald, Germany<b>Background/Objectives:</b> The development of targeted drug delivery systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients with narrow absorption windows is crucial for improving their bioavailability. This study proposes a novel 3D-printed expandable drug delivery system designed to precisely administer drugs to the upper small intestine, where absorption is most efficient. The aim was to design, prototype, and evaluate the system’s functionality for organ retention and targeted drug release. <b>Methods:</b> The system was created using 3D printing technologies, specifically FDM and SLA, with materials such as PLA and HPMC. The device was composed of matrices and springs, with different spring geometries (diameter, coil number, and cross-sectional shape) being tested for strength and flexibility. A gastro-resistant string was used to maintain the device in a compact configuration until it reached the neutral pH environment of the small intestine, where the string dissolved. The mechanical performance of the springs was evaluated using a texture analyzer, and the ability of the system to expand upon pH change was tested in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. <b>Results:</b> The results demonstrated that the system remained in the space-saving configuration for two hours under acidic conditions. Upon a pH change to 6.8, the system expanded as expected, with opening times of 5.5 ± 1.2 min for smaller springs and 2.5 ± 0.3 min for larger springs. The device was able to regain its expanded state, suggesting its potential for controlled drug release in the small intestine. <b>Conclusions:</b> This prototype represents a promising approach for targeted drug delivery to the upper small intestine, offering a potential alternative for drugs with narrow absorption windows. While the results are promising, further in vivo studies are necessary to assess the system’s clinical potential and mechanical stability in real gastrointestinal conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/293D printingadditive manufacturingretentive drug delivery systemspersonalized drug delivery systems
spellingShingle Micol Cirilli
Julius Krause
Andrea Gazzaniga
Werner Weitschies
Matteo Cerea
Christoph Rosenbaum
Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery
Pharmaceutics
3D printing
additive manufacturing
retentive drug delivery systems
personalized drug delivery systems
title Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery
title_full Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery
title_fullStr Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery
title_full_unstemmed Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery
title_short Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery
title_sort development of novel oral delivery systems using additive manufacturing technologies to overcome biopharmaceutical challenges for future targeted drug delivery
topic 3D printing
additive manufacturing
retentive drug delivery systems
personalized drug delivery systems
url https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/29
work_keys_str_mv AT micolcirilli developmentofnoveloraldeliverysystemsusingadditivemanufacturingtechnologiestoovercomebiopharmaceuticalchallengesforfuturetargeteddrugdelivery
AT juliuskrause developmentofnoveloraldeliverysystemsusingadditivemanufacturingtechnologiestoovercomebiopharmaceuticalchallengesforfuturetargeteddrugdelivery
AT andreagazzaniga developmentofnoveloraldeliverysystemsusingadditivemanufacturingtechnologiestoovercomebiopharmaceuticalchallengesforfuturetargeteddrugdelivery
AT wernerweitschies developmentofnoveloraldeliverysystemsusingadditivemanufacturingtechnologiestoovercomebiopharmaceuticalchallengesforfuturetargeteddrugdelivery
AT matteocerea developmentofnoveloraldeliverysystemsusingadditivemanufacturingtechnologiestoovercomebiopharmaceuticalchallengesforfuturetargeteddrugdelivery
AT christophrosenbaum developmentofnoveloraldeliverysystemsusingadditivemanufacturingtechnologiestoovercomebiopharmaceuticalchallengesforfuturetargeteddrugdelivery