3D-printed reservoir-type implants containing poly(lactic acid)/poly(caprolactone) porous membranes for sustained drug delivery

A review: studying the effect of graphene nanoparticles on mechanical, physical and thermal properties of polylactic acid polymer

“…PLA is a hydrophobic biopolymer that contains side methyl groups (-CH 3 ) with a glass transition temperature of 40 °C to 70 °C. 8 The tensile strength of PLA is usually in the range of 32 to 53 MPa. 68 PLA can be processed by various methods such as injection molding, blow molding, sheet extrusion and processing.…”

“…However, polylactic acid has disadvantages, including hydrophobicity, brittleness at room temperature, low thermal resistance, slow degradation rate, permeability to gases, lack of active groups, and chemical neutrality. 4–10…”

“…However, polylactic acid has disadvantages, including hydrophobicity, brittleness at room temperature, low thermal resistance, slow degradation rate, permeability to gases, lack of active groups, and chemical neutrality. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Applications of PLA include medical use for sutures and surgical implants. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Joints of surgical implants, such as pins and tubes, are also made of PLA, which breaks down in the human body within six months to two years.…”

Fabrication and Characterisation of 3D-Printed Triamcinolone Acetonide-Loaded Polycaprolactone-Based Ocular Implants

“…However, most of the drug delivery systems above involve using organic solvents during their fabrication processes, which might cause side effects, such as irritation, if they remain in the implant. In addition, PCL also has been used in implantable devices for sustained delivery of different drugs such as antibiotics [ 28 ], antipsychotic drugs [ 29 , 30 ]; antiplatelet agents, i.e., dipyridamole and acetylsalicylic acid [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen [ 34 ]; or even thyroid hormones such levothyroxine [ 34 ]. PCL has been shown to be well-tolerated in eyes and does not cause noticeable inflammation because it does not produce any acidic products of biodegradation [ 26 ].…”

“…Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing technology that can create 3D objects by deposition of materials in a layer-by-layer manner [ 39 ]. The capability of 3D printing technology to create intricate, unique, and personalised dosage forms and medical devices has recently increased its use in the pharmaceutical sector [ 19 , 28 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Numerous 3D printing techniques, including inkjet printing, fused deposition modelling, extrusion-based bioprinting, and stereolithography, are combined with different polymers to improve their acceptability and therapeutic efficacy.…”