Customized oral mucosal adhesive film-based functional-substance delivery system using embedded 3D printing method

Abstract

Oral mucosal adhesive films (OMAFs) have attracted attention as delivery systems for the easy ingestion of functional substances. However, conventional casting-based production limits the potential for personalization and controllable onset of action of functional substances. Although inkjet-type substance impregnation tech-nology has been developed, it remains challenging to control the release characteristics, and the loadable ca-pacity is lacking. In this study, a custom OMAF system was developed using a three-dimensional (3D) printer and loaded with curcumin as a model functional substance. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (content of 1%-20%) was embedded as an OMAF matrix, and the curcumin core was loaded through 3D printing. The embedded curcumin reached defined doses of 34.53-138.13 ppm depending on the infill patterns and nozzle sizes. In addition, the mechanical properties of the OMAF were modified according to the direction of 3D printing. The results indi-cated that 3D printing can provide customized dosages of functional substances as well as control dissolution and improve stability.