3D printed lactose-crosslinked gelatin scaffolds as a drug delivery system for dexamethasone. (May 2019) - Etxabide, Alaitz
Graphical abstract: Highlights: Gelatin scaffolds were successfully manufactured by 3D printing. Gelatin scaffolds were crosslinked by lactose-induced crosslinking reaction. Crosslinking reaction with lactose improved water stability of scaffolds. Gelatin scaffolds were used as carriers of an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug. Abstract: The use of biocompatible and biodegradable materials, along with promising advanced manufacturing techniques, is the new trend for biomaterials development. In this study, gelatin scaffolds loaded with dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) and crosslinked with lactose were fabricated by 3D printing. The viscosity of the gelatin solution was adequate to control the shape of the printed structures where reproducible scaffolds were obtained. The post-printing crosslinking reaction between gelatin and lactose was promoted by heat-treatment and assessed by color change, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, buffer absorption capacity and solubilisation tests. Although the addition of DSP slightly affected the crosslinking extension, the reaction notably improved scaffolds' water resistance by decreasing buffer absorption capacity values from ∼515% to 360%, as well as slowing down the solubilisation time and percentage from 45 min with 75% of solubilisation to more than 7 days with 55% of solubilisation. The fast release of DSP under physiological conditions along with the surface characteristics of scaffolds demonstrated the possibility of using these scaffolds for targeted drug release.