3D Printing of Drug-Loaded Thermoplastic Polyurethane Meshes: A Potential Material for Soft Tissue Reinforcement in Vaginal Surgery

Abstract

Current strategies to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI), include the surgical implantation of vaginal meshes. Recently, there have been multiple reports of issues generated by these meshes conventionally made of poly(propylene). This material is not the ideal candidate, due to its mechanical properties leading to complications such as chronic pain and infection. In the present manuscript, we propose the use of an alternative material, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), loaded with an antibiotic in combination with fused deposition modelling (FDM) to prepare safer vaginal meshes. For this purpose, TPU filaments containing levofloxacin (LFX) in various concentrations (e.g., 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) were produced by extrusion. These filaments were used to 3D print vaginal meshes. The printed meshes were fully characterized through different tests/analyses such as fracture force studies, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT), release studies and microbiology testing. The results showed that LFX was uniformly distributed within the TPU matrix, regardless the concentration loaded. The mechanical properties showed that poly(propylene) (PP) is a tougher material with a lower elasticity than TPU, which seemed to be a more suitable material due to its elasticity. In addition, the printed meshes showed a significant bacteriostatic activity on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cultures, minimising the risk of infection after implanting them. Therefore, the incorporation of LFX to the TPU matrix can be used to prepare anti-infective vaginal meshes with enhanced mechanical properties compared with current PP vaginal meshes.

Development of a Biodegradable Subcutaneous Implant for Prolonged Drug Delivery Using 3D Printing

“…X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) scans were performed on 3D printed implants following the same methodology reported by Matthew et al and Dominguez-Robles et al [25,26]. Briefly, the 3D reconstruction volumes and inner structures of the implants were observed by using a Bruker SkyScan 1275 system (Bruker, Germany) with a Hamamatsu L11871 source.…”

3D Printing of Pharmaceuticals and Drug Delivery Devices

“…The printed TPU meshes also showed significant bacteriostatic activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cultures meaning infection rates associated with vaginal meshes could be reduced. This study effectively showed the use of 3DP as a novel approach for producing anti-infective drug loaded vaginal meshes with better mechanical properties in comparison to the PP meshes that currently being used [8].…”

Additive Manufacturing Can Assist in the Fight Against COVID-19 and Other Pandemics and Impact on the Global Supply Chain

“…Among all the applications, 3DP has been recently used for the manufacture of a range of drug delivery systems and medical devices. 4,6,7 Despite these recent developments, 3DP is not a new technique as the first patent describing this technology was filled in the late 80s. 8 However, the field of 3DP experienced a huge increase in popularity during the past 15 years due to the ''democratization'' of this technology.…”