Dual stimuli-sensitive carrageenan-based formulation for additive manufacturing

The design and development of controlled release systems of molecules of interest (nutrients, flavors, and drugs) have attracted significant attention over several years. Herein, we report a formulation of dual temperature and electro responsive kappa- and iota-carrageenan based hydrogel for efficient food material and drug delivery. The microstructure and the thermal behavior of the hydrogel were characterized. The in-vitro drug release from the hydrogel was also studied. Using this carrageenan-based formulation and folic acid as the drug model, a high drug loading, and a sustained release because of either electric field or temperature were observed. In principle, the proposed formulation does not rely on 3D printing to perform its function; however, it adds to the feedstocks for 3D printing in the food and pharmaceutical industries. For the future, this could allow potentially more complex smart structures to be created from this material, further tuning release behavior.

Automated summary

A dual temperature and electro responsive kappa- and iota-carrageenan based hydrogel formulation was developed for efficient food material and drug delivery, showing high drug loading and sustained release. This formulation does not rely on 3D printing, but can contribute to feedstocks for 3D printing in the food and pharmaceutical industries, potentially enabling the creation of more complex smart structures and tuning release behavior in the future.