Fabrication and characterization of innovative chitosan/doxorubicin coated 3D printed microneedle patch for prolonged drug delivery

In this study, microneedles (MNs) were successfully fabricated using the 3D printing method, which provides ease of production and reproduction in the desired size. Chi/Dox MNs drug delivery systems containing doxorubicin (Dox) were successfully produced in the presence of glutaraldehyde, which was coated with chitosan (Chi) and used as a crosslinker to prolong the drug release of the produced MNs. The obtained Chi/Dox MNs drug distribution systems were characterized by SEM, FTIR, zeta, contact angle, surface energy, compression test, and drug release tests. With the SEM analyzes performed before and after coating, it was observed that the MNs were in micro dimensions, and the diameters of the MNs tips before and after coating were 41.22 mu m and 54.58 mu m, respectively. After the compression test, it was analyzed that each MNs could withstand a force of about 76 N. The zeta potentials of Chi and Dox solutions were measured as 8.8 and 21.5 mV, respectively. FTIR, zeta potential, contact angle, and surface energy results confirm the Dox coating and their interactions. It has been observed that Chi/Dox MNs has successfully extended drug release time without drug-burst, and their use in skin cancer treatment is promising.

Automated summary

This study successfully fabricated microneedles (MNs) using the 3D printing method and extended the drug release time through the coating and crosslinking of chitosan. The Chi/Dox MNs drug delivery system was characterized using various analysis methods, and its micro-characteristics and performance were observed. It was found that Chi/Dox MNs successfully extended the drug release time and showed promise for skin cancer treatment.