UCLA

Fabrication of oral dosage forms via 3D printing has been intensively studied for the past 20 years. However, studies have shown limited ability in quality printing resolution, flexibility, and drug selection. This study aims to design and characterize a photo-curable polymer solution for inkjet 3D printing that is potentially biocompatible and able to deliver hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for oral administration. Specifically, poly(ethylene) glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) was used as the photo-curable polymer, with poly(ethylene) glycol as a filler, eosin Y and mPEG-amine as the photo-initiator and co-initiator with a light source of 120 mW/cm2 to allow free radical polymerization to occur. Naproxen and Ibuprofen were loaded into the formulation and exposed to visible light to form a gel. Results show a sustained release with varying release rates when percentage of PEGDA is altered. Gel characterization was also evaluated to investigate the structural and mechanical properties of the designed photo-curable bioink and its potential application in 3D inkjet printing for hydrophobic APIs.