3D printing of patient-tailored SNEDDS-based suppositories of lidocaine

Personalized drug delivery systems are considered an interesting perspective of the 3D printing technology, with the potential to counterbalance the pharmacological and adverse effects of pharmaceutical products. Our study was focused on the utilization of the pressure-assisted microsyringes technology to fabricate patient-tailored lidocaine-loaded suppositories. Printable inks were fabricated using a combination of an oily compound with a mixture of surfactants and evaluated for the physicochemical properties, as well as for their resemblance to the performance of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS). The selected ink composition was loaded with lidocaine (LID) in two concentrations (2 w/w % and 4 w/w %), showing droplet sizes in the range between 31.0 +/- 8.4 nm and 42.7 +/- 13.5 nm, respectively, and negative surface charge. The physicochemical characterization revealed the presence of LID in the amorphous state. The mechanical properties and in vitro performance of the SNEDDS-like suppositories complied with the European Pharmacopoeia requirements. The in vitro dissolution profiles evidenced the delayed LID released in the case of 2 w/w % LID-loaded suppositories. The work highlighted the potential of 3D printing as an alternative pathway to formulate personalized LID-loaded suppositories for local anesthesia.

Automated summary

Personalized drug delivery systems using 3D printing technology have the potential to counterbalance pharmacological effects. In this study, pressure-assisted microsyringes were utilized to fabricate lidocaine-loaded suppositories, with in vitro dissolution profiles showing delayed lidocaine release.