Drug Loading and Printability of Two Different Grades of Prefabricated Polyvinyl Alcoholâ Filaments for Fused Deposition Modeling-Based 3D Printing

Abstract

Aim: The study explores the material properties of two different grades of prefabricated polyvinyl alcohol filaments in terms of drug-loading capacity and printability. Materials & methods: Loratadine was loaded into these filaments or their scaffolds by impregnation and they were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties, drug content and printability. Results: The Type I (Pc) filament, being more flexible, showed approximately 100-times higher drug loading compared with the Type II (Pm) filament. However, the diameter of the Pc filament increased by 35% with decreased mechanical strength on soaking in drug solution, which made it unsuitable for 3D printing. On the other hand, the Pm filament was tougher and showed a meager amount of drug loading (<1 mg per 0.5 g) but remained mechanically stronger with good printability. Conclusion: Therapeutic doses of low-dose drug can be loaded efficiently in printed scaffolds of Pc filament.