When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
Superhydrophobic polymers can waterproof clothing or make self-cleaning materials, but Boston University researchers have shown that the material’s trapped air can also be used to modulate how fast medicine is administered in the body. Jon Evans writes in Chemistry World:
It turns out that superhydrophobic materials are very good at slowly releasing drugs over extended periods of time, from weeks to months. This is because the water-repellent properties of these materials arise from their rough, rippled surfaces, which trap air between the ripples. This trapped air prevents liquids such as water from penetrating the ripples, forcing it to remain perched on top as intact droplets.
Although other researchers have explored superhydrophobic polymers for drug delivery systems, this group is the first to use air to direct the release of the drug, according to Chemistry World.
Evans explains that the trapped air secures the drug that has been loaded on a polymer mesh until the material is soaked in a bodily fluid, such as blood. As the liquid displaces the air, the drug is released. Drugs can be released over longer time frames by using more hydrophobic materials because they have a tighter grip on the trapped air.
The researchers fabricated polycaprolactone mesh with electrospinning. Then, Evans writes, “by altering the concentration of a hydrophobic dopant—poly(glycerol monostearate-co-
-caprolactone)—they could control the hydrophobicity of the mesh and load it with a drug by adding it to the electrospinning solution.”
-caprolactone)—they could control the hydrophobicity of the mesh and load it with a drug by adding it to the electrospinning solution.”
The researchers have conducted in vitro studies on the mesh in salt water and blood serum using an anti-cancer drug. They are currently testing mesh loaded with other drugs in mice.
Team leader told Chemistry World that the drug delivery system could be useful for “unmet clinical needs” where the time frame is important, such as for managing pain after lung surgery and preventing lung tumor recurrence after surgical resection.
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