Personalized 3D printed ciprofloxacin impregnated meshes for the management of hernia

Abstract

This study aims to explore the application of fused deposition modeling (FDM), a widely used 3D printing technique, in the fabrication of personalised hernial meshes. Eight different meshes with and without the loading of an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin HCl) were designed using two different polymers, polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), having different pore size, shape and thread thickness. Printed meshes were evaluated for their mechanical, drug loading and release characteristics. Among the fabricated meshes, polypropylene has shown adequate printability characteristics where polyvinyl alcohol filaments showed comparatively easy handling during 3D printing. All the printed meshes showed satisfactory mechanical properties. However, the PVA meshes showed slightly faster release as compared to PP based meshes. Moreover, in-vivo testing in rabbit models was also performed for assessing biocompatibility and adhesiogenecity. Post-implantation observations in animal models revealed no signs of implant rejection and the extent of adhesions to the visceral tissue was mild to moderate. Animals implanted with ciprofloxacin HCl loaded meshes exhibited fewer fluctuations in body temperature, and they had faster-wound healing capacity. This work demonstrated for the first time that FDM is an effective and low-cost alternative for the manufacturing of tailored mesh for the management of hernia. The method has also been successfully employed for the preparation of drug loaded 3D mesh, which may be effectively used against post-surgical infections.

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

“…However, these works were not realistic due to material selection, but these studies worked as a proof of concept showing the potential of 3D printing for this purpose. Additionally, some recent work described the potential of using FDM as a tool for mesh implant manufacturing using PP [50]. The limitations of this material have been described previously.…”

Personalised 3D Printed Fast-Dissolving Tablets for Managing Hypertensive Crisis: In-Vitro/In-Vivo Studies

“…However, the obvious challenge is their manufacturing process as fabricating smaller batches of medicines, especially designed for individual patients, can be problematic, time-consuming and costly. However, the recent emergence of 3D printing technologies has given pharmaceutical scientists a way forward to develop personalised medicines and devices [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. The current project, therefore, is aimed at addressing the limitations as mentioned above by developing additively manufacturing fast-dissolving captopril tablets.…”

Production of Drug Delivery Systems Using Fused Filament Fabrication: A Systematic Review

“…The time needed for proper swelling of the filament greatly affects the drug loading [ 19 ]. The soaking duration can vary between 12 h, as reported by Qamar et al [ 20 ] up to 3–4 days, as reported by Ibrahim et al [ 21 ]. In this process, a commercial filament can be used, which is the main advantage of this approach.…”

“…Farto-Vaamonde et al [ 49 ] and Costa et al [ 47 ] worked on producing drug-loaded scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration medicine. Qamar et al [ 20 ] and Teo et al [ 27 ] produced drug-loaded meshes for eradicating bacterial infections. Horst et al [ 45 ] discussed producing disks for testing antibacterial activity of oleo-gum-resin loaded with nano-oxides.…”