Polyvinyl Alcohol-polyethylene Glycol Research Articles

A novel polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) polymeric blend doped with graphene oxide for energy storage devices

A novel polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) polymeric blend doped with graphene oxide for energy storage devices

Design and Evaluation of Liposomal Sulforaphane-Loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethylene Glycol (PVA/PEG) Hydrogels as a Novel Drug Delivery System for Wound Healing.

Hydrogel scaffold has been widely applied as drug delivery systems for treating skin injuries. However, the poor drug loading and rapid drug release of hydrogel restricted their application. In the current study, we present a nanoliposome containing sulforaphane (SF) as a nano-drug delivery system that is encapsulated within the scaffold hydrogel system to overcome these limitations and improve wound healing. The hydrogel substrate consisting of 10% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/5% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) was prepared by the freeze-thaw method, and the nanoliposomal system was manufactured by the thin film hydration method at different molar ratios of cholesterol: SPC: DPPC: DSPE-PEG2000. The nanoliposome and hydrogel system was characterized by physicochemical analyses. The findings achieved from the optimization of the sulforaphane-loaded nanoliposome (SFNL) displayed an increase in the molar ratio of SPC, leading to a higher entrapment efficiency and a gradual release profile. Narrow size distribution, optimal electrical charge, and the lack of molecular interactions between SF and nanoliposome components in the FTIR analysis make SFNL a suitable drug delivery system for the wound healing process. The obtained SFNL-encapsulated freeze-thawed hydrogel system has sufficient and specific swelling ability at different pH values and increased mechanical strength and elongation. Additionally, the release pattern of SFNL at different pH values showed that the release of SF from liposomes depends on the pH value of the environment and accelerates in line with decreasing pH values. Encapsulation of nanoliposomal SF in the hydrogel structure provides a sustained release pattern of SF compared to its free form and increased as the pH environments continued to raise. The cytotoxicity and cell uptake of SFNL-loaded hydrogels against human skin fibroblasts (HFF cell line) were investigated. The in vitro analyses displayed that the toxicity properties of SF and SFNL were dose-dependent, and SFNL exhibited lower toxicity compared to free SF. Furthermore, the proper cell compatibility of the prepared hydrogel against the HFF cell line was confirmed by the MTT assay. These findings imply that the hydrogel scaffold loaded with SFNL may have wound-healing potential.

Immobilization of Rhodococcus by encapsulation and entrapment: a green solution to bitter citrus by-products.

Debittering of citrus by-products is required to obtain value-added compounds for application in the food industry (e.g., dietary fiber, bioactive compounds). In this work, the immobilization of Rhodococcus fascians cells by encapsulation in Ca-alginate hollow beads and entrapment in poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) cryogels was studied as an alternative to chemical treatments for degrading the bitter compound limonin. Previously, the Rhodococcus strain was adapted using orange peel extract to increase its tolerance to limonoids. The optimal conditions for the encapsulation of microbial cells were 2% Na-alginate, 4% CaCl2, 4% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and a microbial load of 0.6 OD600 (optical density at 600nm). For immobilization by entrapment, the optimal conditions were 8% PVA, 8% PEG, and 0.6 OD600 microbial load. Immobilization by entrapment protected microbial cells better than encapsulation against the citrus medium stress conditions (acid pH and composition). Thus, under optimal immobilization conditions, limonin degradation was 32 and 28% for immobilization in PVA/PEG gels and in hollow beads, respectively, in synthetic juice (pH 3) after 72h at 25°C. Finally, the microbial cells entrapped in the cryogels showed a higher operational stability in orange juice than the encapsulated cells, with four consecutive cycles of reuse (runs of 24h at 25°C). KEY POINTS: • Increased tolerance to limonoids by adapting R. fascians with citrus by-products. • Entrapment provided cells with favorable microenvironment for debittering at acid pH. • Cryogel-immobilized cells showed the highest limonin degradation in citrus products.

OVINE KNEE KINEMATICS AND CONTACT PRESSURES OF A NOVEL FIBRE MATRIX-REINFORCED HYDROGEL TOTAL MENISCUS REPLACEMENT

No proven long-term joint-preserving treatment options exist for patients with irreparable meniscal damage. This study aimed to assess gait kinematics and contact pressures of novel fibre-matrix reinforced polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol (PVA-PEG) hydrogel meniscus implanted ovine stifle joints against intact stifles in a gait simulator.The gait simulator controlled femoral flexion-extension and applied a 980N axial contact force to the distal end of the tibia, whose movement was guided by the joint natural ligaments (Bartolo; ORS 2021;p1657- LB). Five right stifle joints from sheep aged >2 years were implanted with a PVA-PEG total medial meniscus replacement, fixed to the tibia via transosseous tunnels and interference screws. Implanted stifle joint contact pressures and kinematics in the simulator were recorded and compared to the intact group. Contact pressures on the medial and lateral condyles were measured at 55° flexion using Fujifilm Prescale Low Pressure film inserted under the menisci. 3D kinematics were measured across two 30 second captures using the Optotrak Certus motion-tracking system (Northern Digital Inc.).Medial peak pressures were not significantly different between the implanted and intact groups (p>0.4), while lateral peak pressures were significantly higher in the implanted group (p<0.01). Implanted stifle joint kinematics in the simulator did not differ significantly from the intact baseline (p>0.01), except for in distraction-compression (p<0.01).Our findings show that the fibre-matrix reinforced PVA-PEG hydrogel meniscal replacement restored the medial peak contact pressures. Similar to published literature (Fischenich; ABE 2018;46(11):1–12), the lateral peak pressures in the implanted group were higher than the intact. Joint kinematics were similar across groups, with slightly increased internal-external rotation in the implanted group. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed approach and motivate future work on the development of a total meniscal replacement.

Towards multifunctional applications of Fullerene-filled (PVA-PEG) polymeric nanocomposite films: structural, optical, and electrical properties

Via casting method, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) blend matrix (80/20 wt %) based with fullerene (C60) (i.e., (PVA–PEG)/C60) polymeric nanocomposite (PNC) films have been prepared for optoelectronic devices. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis have been used to examine the structural behavior of these PNC films. The absorption coefficient derived from Beer-Lambert’s equation was used to determine energy bandgap (E g ), and Urbach’s energy (E u ) values. The nanocomposite films bandgap was lowered to 4.05 eV for indirect transition and 4.98 eV for direct transition. Because of surface plasmon absorption, the extinction index (k) rises with a doping concentration in nanocomposite films. The connections between bandgap and refractive index (n av ) were investigated using several empirical formulas to arrive at an average value for n. The nonlinear susceptibility χ (3) increased from 1.23 × 10−12 esu to 1.82 × 10−12 esu and from 7.099 × 10−13esu to 8.87 × 10−13 for indirect and direct transition, respectively. The nonlinear refractive index (n 2) increased from 2.146 × 10−11 esu to 3.062 × 10−11 esu and from 1.306 × 10−11esu to 1.59 × 10−11 esu for indirect and direct transition, respectively. The nanocomposites’ optical limiting performance and laser beam absorption capability were examined. Doping PVA–PEG with C60 in these nanocomposites at room temperature has been studied for its impact on complex dielectric permittivity, electric modulus characteristics, and AC electrical conductivity. The dielectric properties reduced with increasing frequency and raised with rising temperature and discussed as evidence of interfacial polarization. AC conductivity levels that varied with temperature followed Arrhenius’s law. According to our findings, the newly developed polymeric nanocomposite films are well-suited for use in electrical and optoelectronic devices.

Pharmaceutical polymer-based hydrogel formulations as prospective bioinks for 3D bioprinting applications: A step towards clean bioprinting

BackgroundThree-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a game-changer technology in tissue engineering. Bioink is a crucial component in the 3D bioprinting process and is consists of biomaterials, cells, and growth factors. Current research on bioink formulations primarily uses animal-derived biomaterials for 3D bioprinting operations and soft tissue engineering, which possess challenges of batch-to-batch variability, immunogenicity, and microbial growth with aging. ObjectiveIn this study we aimed to investigate pharmaceutical polymers as biomaterials for hydrogel formulations and examine them for prospective bioink qualities. MethodsHydrogel formulations containing partially pregelatinized starch, sodium alginate along with either of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose were assessed for tensile strength of thin films; the viscosity of hydrogels, the structural integrity of crosslinked scaffolds, and effects of moist heat sterilization on physical properties, chemical properties and microbial contaminations. ResultsWe found that thin films made out of hydrogels found to have tensile strength suitable for soft tissue engineering. Viscosity results meet workable ranges for extrusion-based bioprinting. Structural integrity revealed crosslinked scaffolds were able to withstand in culture medias for few days and then started to disintegrate demonstrated biodegradation patterns of diffrent formulations. The moist heat sterilization process eliminated microbial contaminations effectively without altering the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels. ConclusionWe proved pharmaceutical polymers as biomaterials in hydrogel formulations that could be used as bioinks in future. These hydrogels has appropriate qualities for 3D bioprinting and soft tissue engineering. This study paves the way for clean bioprinting, with the possibility of formulating bioinks free from animal derived biomaterials.

Investigation of polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer as an advanced functional polymer in the development of perampanel orodispersible film

Investigation of polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer as an advanced functional polymer in the development of perampanel orodispersible film

Lubrication Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethylene Glycol Gel for Artificial Joints

One of the most common problems encountered by patients using artificial joints is the high wear rate. In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) gel was prepared through the cross-linking reaction between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions. This gel can lubricate artificial joints, thereby lowering their coefficient of friction (COF) and increasing their service life. Various techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, X-ray photon spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses, were used to analyze the structure of this synthetic gel. The tribological results indicated that the synthetic gel’s lubrication effect was the most optimum when it contained PVA (10 wt%) and PEG (15 wt%). An average COF of 0.05 was obtained under a load of 10 N and at a speed of 1.0 cm/s. In addition, the wear rate was reduced in comparison to distilled water. Furthermore, the biological tests proved that the PVA/PEG gel was highly biocompatible. Thus, this study introduces a novel technique to prepare PVA/PEG gels that improve the tribological performance of artificial joints.

Optical Study on PVA/PEG Blend Doped with Nano-Silica

Transparent films of polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) blend loaded with different nano-silica (SiO2) content were prepared by using solution casting. The effect of SiO2 nanoparticle loading on the optical properties of selected PVA/PEG blend ratio is studied in the spectral region 200–700 nm. The present study monitors the changes in the optical dispersion parameters such as band tail width, extinction coefficient, refractive index, and optical dielectric constant calculated as a function of nano-silica content. The results revealed that the obtained optical parameters were strongly affected by the SiO2 content in the blend films. Also, Cauchy model is used to fit the wavelength dependence of the refractive index of the composites. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis indicates the increase of thermal stability of the composites with respect to pure blend. The Coats and Redfern model is used to calculate activation energies for decomposition.

Gamma irradiation‐induced modifications in the structural, thermal, and optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol‐polyethylene glycol/cobalt oxide nanocomposite films

AbstractCobalt oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are highly consistent dispersed into the blend polymers rather than other NPs. Also, the ability of polyvinyl alcohol‐polyethylene glycol (PVA‐PEG) to form homogenous blend attained it essential characteristics that allow it to be suitable candidate for numerous industrial applications. Thus in the present work, Co3O4 nano‐oxide, was synthesized by the sol‐gel procedure and PVA‐PEG/Co3O4 nanocomposite NCP films were synthesized by the casting technique. Samples from the synthesized NCP were exposed to γ doses between 20 and 230 kGy. The induced alterations in the synthesized NCP due to gamma irradiation have been illustrated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV spectroscopes. Further, Color divergence between the blank and the irradiated films has been estimated. Gamma doses between 60 and 230 kGy lead to the prevalence of intermolecular crosslinking, which enhances the disordered phase. This is reflected in a rise in the degradation temperature values from 225°C to 236°C indicating an improvement in the thermostability of the NCP samples. Moreover, the γ‐radiation induces defects that split the ordered portion, reducing Tm from 238°C to 229°C. In addition, the band gap decreases from 5.24 to 4.61 eV with increasing the γ doses to 230 kGy, signifying disorder character. Finally, the NCP samples showed a color change by γ radiation, as ΔE raised with increasing dose. The resultant improvements in the optical properties of the NCP samples allow it to be used in optoelectronic and dosimetric applications.

Thermal, mechanical, and AC electrical studies of PVA–PEG–Ag2S polymer hybrid material

Polymer hybrid films were prepared by solution casting technique, using polyvinyl alcohol–polyethylene glycol (PVA–PEG) blend host matrix as the organic component and Ag2S (in-situ formed) as the inorganic component. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed the increased flexibility of polymer hybrid films, when compared to pure PVA–PEG blend film. Thermal stability of the hybrid film PPS3 (with AgNO3:Na2S ratio equal to 3.0 ml: 1.5 ml) which has uniformly distributed Ag2S nanostructures is more, when compared to other hybrid films, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Polymer hybrid film PPS1 (with AgNO3:Na2S ratio equal to 1.0 ml: 0.5 ml) which has uniformly distributed Ag2S microstructures shows increased values of tensile strength and percentage elongation at break. The presence of Ag2S nanoparticles in PPS3 film has increased the overall toughness of the corresponding hybrid film. The highest bulk conductivity equal to 1.43 × 10–5 Sm−1 is observed for PPS4 film (with 4.0 ml: 2 ml ratio of precursors), which has a comparatively lower degree of crystallinity and porous structure. Impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that Ag2S filler, in its micro and nano forms, can substantially improve the AC conductivity and dielectric properties of PVA–PEG polymer blend (loaded with Ag2S).

Effect of Gamma irradiation on the nanofree volume and electrical properties of PVA/PEG/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) doped polyvinyl alcohol/ Polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) films were prepared by solution casting technique and exposed to 100 kGy gamma radiation. The structural modifications in the samples before and after irradiation were studied using X-ray diffraction XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopyFTIR anddifferential scanning calorimetry DSC. The free volume holes Vf determined from the o-Ps lifetime τ3measured by the positron annihilation spectroscopy (PALS) is found to decrease from (84.52 to 67.24A3) and from (85.67 to 78.21 A3) for nonirradiated and irradiated samples respectively with increasing the nanoscale RGO fillercontentto the polymer matrix. The resulting decrease of the free volume holes size due to this incorporation could be explained byboth the formation of hydrogen-bonding and crosslinking between RGO and PVA/PEG blend as confirmed byXRD and FTIR measurements. This also caused a decrease in the concentration of free volumes Fr for both nonirradiated and irradiated samples. The increased D.C. electrical conductivity with increasing RGOvolume fraction(0–0.265) suggests a conductivity chain formation through the nanoparticle aggregation. The deduced Ln σis found to be positively correlated with the probability of free annihilation of positrons I2, trapped at crystalline-amorphous interfaces. The D.C. conductivity results could be successfully fitted using the model suggested by Miyamoto and Shibayama. The critical free volumes for the charge carriers’ transport has been deduced to be 80.34 and 82.16A3 for nonirradiated and irradiated samples respectively.

Pharmacological properties of Centella asiatica hydrogel in accelerating wound healing in rabbits

BackgroundVarious extracts of Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) and its active constituent, asiaticoside, have been reported to possess wound healing property when assessed using various in vivo and in vitro models. In an attempt to develop a formulation with accelerated wound healing effect, the present study was performed to examine in vivo efficacy of asiaticoside-rich hydrogel formulation in rabbits.MethodsAsiaticoside-rich fraction was prepared from C. asiatica aerial part and then incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) hydrogel. The hydrogel was subjected to wound healing investigation using the in vivo incision model.ResultsThe results obtained demonstrated that: i) the hydrogel formulation did not cause any signs of irritation on the rabbits’ skin and; ii) enhanced wound healing 15% faster than the commercial cream and > 40% faster than the untreated wounds. The skin healing process was seen in all wounds marked by formation of a thick epithelial layer, keratin, and moderate formation of granulation tissues, fibroblasts and collagen with no fibrinoid necrosis detected.ConclusionThe asiaticoside-rich hydrogel developed using the freeze-thaw method was effective in accelerating wound healing in rabbits.

Structural, Optical and Electrical Studies on Hybrid Material of In Situ Formed Silver sulfide in Polymer Blend Matrix

Organic–inorganic polymer hybrid films were prepared, using polyvinyl alcohol–polyethylene glycol blend as the organic host matrix. Silver sulfide (Ag2S) semiconductor particles have been synthesized in polymer blend matrix, by in-situ method. Polymer hybrid films, with various amounts of Ag2S were prepared and characterized structurally, optically and electronically by using various characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, temperature and time dependent DC electrical studies. Hydrogen bonding interactions take place between hydroxyl groups (OH) and carbonyl groups (C=O) of polymer blend molecules with Ag+ ion of Ag2S filler, indicating complex formation between polymer matrix and filler, which is confirmed by FTIR technique. XRD results showed presence of additional multiple peaks (compared to pure blend film) corresponding to αʹ-Ag2S monoclinic crystal system. Changes in degree of crystallinity (%C) are observed for hybrid films with various amounts of Ag2S, showing a highest value of 18.2% for the film containing 0.372 g of Ag2S, when compared to 13.45% (%C) for pure blend film. Uniform distribution of Ag2S nanoparticles in polymer blend matrix is revealed by SEM analysis for hybrid film containing 0.372 g of Ag2S. UV–Vis absorption studies showed multiple absorption peaks due to added filler. Highest value of room temperature conductivity of 9.40 × 10−7 S/cm was obtained for the hybrid film containing 0.372 g of Ag2S. Values of transference numbers (tion and tele) in time dependent electrical studies indicated that the electrical conductivity in pure blend film as well as hybrid films is mainly due to ions.

On-demand manufacturing of immediate release levetiracetam tablets using pressure-assisted microsyringe printing

Fast and accurate manufacturing of individually tailored solid dosage forms is one of the main challenges for personalized medicine. The use of 3D printers has recently been studied to determine their suitability for personalized drug manufacturing.In the current work, formulations free of organic solvents were developed for a pressure-assisted microsyringe printing method (PAM). The water soluble polymer polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-PEG) was used as matrix, while levetiracetam (LEV) was used as model drug. Furthermore, the influence of a second polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-PVAc) on the properties of the printed tablets was investigated. Tablets were printed using a 3D-Bioplotter. The printed formulations were analyzed regarding mass variation, friability and thickness. Furthermore, the disintegration behavior and dissolution profile were analyzed. Investigations of the dissolution profiles of printed tablets show that an immediate release of the API could be achieved. For tablets with PVA-PEG the drug is released completely within 10 min while the additional use of PVP-PVAc leads to a slightly delay with a complete release within 20 min. The same trend is observed regarding the disintegration time of printed tablets. Tablets with PVA-PEG disintegrated within 95 ± 10 s while tablets with additional PVP-PVAc disintegrated within 130 ± 20 s.Friability of <0.5% indicate that the used PAM printing method provides tablets without loss of structural integrity during handling. Furthermore, it could be shown that the production of tablets with a good content uniformity using a 3D Bioplotter is suitable.

Isoniazid-loaded orodispersible strips: Methodical design, optimization and in vitro-in silico characterization

Drug treatment remains the most effective global approach to managing and preventing tuberculosis. This work focuses on formulating and evaluating an optimized polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol based orodispersible strip containing isoniazid, a first-line anti-tubercular agent. A solvent casting method guided through a Taguchi experimental design was employed in the fabrication, optimization and characterization of the orodispersible strip. The optimized strip was physically amalgamated with a monolayer, uniformly distributed surface geometry. It was 159.2 ± 3.0 µm thick, weighed 36.9 ± 0.3 mg, had an isoniazid load of 99.5 ± 0.8%w/w, disintegration and dissolution times of 17.6 ± 0.9 s and 5.5 ± 0.1 min respectively. In vitro crystallinity, thermal measurements and in silico thermodynamic predictions confirmed the strip’s intrinsic miscibility, thermodynamic stability and amorphous nature. A Korsmeyer-Peppas (r = 0.99; n > 1 = 1.07) fitted kinetics typified by an initial burst release of 49.4 ± 1.9% at 4 min and a total of 99.8 ± 3.3% at 30 min was noted. Ex vivo isoniazid permeation through porcine buccal mucosa was bi-phasic and characterized by a 50.4 ± 3.8% surge and 95.6 ± 2.9% at 5 and 120 min respectively. The strip was physicomechanically robust, environmentally stable and non-cytotoxic.

Chitosan succinate/PVA-PEG Membrane: Preparation, Characterization and Permeation Ability Test on Creatinine

Evaluation character of chitosan membrane-succinate / poly vinyl alcohol-poly ethylene glycol (PVA-PEG) were prepared in acetic acid solvent through a phase inversion method has been performed. The study began with the preparation of crosslinked chitosan compounds with succinic acid, followed by preparation into membrane by combining PVA-PEG. Character analysis of the resulting material using FTIR, EDX, TGA, water absorption test, tensile strength, membrane hydrophilicity. The ability of membrane permeation was tested against creatinine. The results showed that the succinate had reacted with chitosan. Chitosan modification through cross link and polymer alloys increases tensile strength and membrane strain of 1.7-2.5 x of pure chitosan membrane. In addition, the modified membrane also has higher water absorption and hydrophilicity values than the unmodified membrane, and this implies the ability of membrane-induced creatinine permeation. Permeable permeation values were 13.8% in chitosan, 24.84% on chitosan-succinate and 25% in chitosan-succinate / PVA-PEG. Chitosan-succinate membranes have the ability to use more than 4x repeated use.

Water hyacinth cellulose-based membrane for adsorption of liquid waste dyes and chromium

Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is a weed in aquatic area whose trunk contains a lot of cellulose. Cellulose contained can be used as dyes adsorbent in a form of composite membrane. This study aims to investigate the capacity of water hyacinth cellulose-based membrane to adsorb dye and Chromium (Cr) contained in liquid. The process of membrane fabrication begins with isolation of water hyacinth cellulose. The isolated cellulose powder was used to make the membrane by mixing it with polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol (PVA-PEG) with various compositions. The morphology of membrane surface was analyzed using CCD microscope. The analysis using Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) indicate that the membrane with composition ratio of cellulose: PVA: PEG of 6.5: 2.5: 1 adsorb Cr up to 38.75%.

Blend membrane of succinic acid-crosslinked chitosan grafted with heparin/PVA-PEG (polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol) and its characterization

Crosslinking and grafting reactions are required to modify the functional groups on chitosan to increase the number of its active groups. In this study, crosslinking reaction of succinic acid and grafting reaction of heparin on chitosan were conducted to produce a membrane as a candidate of a hemodialysis membrane. The mole ratio between chitosan and succinate acids was varied to obtain the best composition of modified materials. By blending all the material composition with PVA-PEG, the blend was transformed into a membrane. The resulted membrane was then characterized by various test methods such as tests of thickness, weight, water uptake, pH resistance, tensile strength and membrane hydrophilicity. The results showed that the best composition of the membrane reached in the addition of 0.011 gram of succinic acid proved by its highest mechanical strength compared to the other membranes.

PET/CT imaging of 3D printed devices in the gastrointestinal tract of rodents

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing (3DP) is a revolutionary technology with the potential to transform drug product design in both the pre-clinical and clinical arena. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the intestinal behaviour of four different polymer-based devices fabricated using FDM 3DP technology in rats. Small capsular devices of 8.6 mm in length and 2.65 mm in diameter were printed from polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft-copolymer (PVA-PEG copolymer, Kollicoat IR), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC, Klucel), ethylcellulose (EC, Aqualon N7) and hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS, Aquasolve-LG). A smaller sized device, 3.2 mm in length and 2.65 mm in diameter, was also prepared with HPMCAS to evaluate the cut off size of gastric emptying of solid formulations in rats. The devices were radiolabelled with Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and small animal positron emission tomography/computed tomography (microPET/CT) was used to track the movement and disintegration of the fabricated devices in the rats. The PVA-PEG copolymer and HPC devices disintegrated after 60min following oral administration. The EC structures did not disintegrate in the gastrointestinal tracts of the rats, whereas the HPMCAS-based systems disintegrated after 420 min. Interestingly, it was noted that the devices which remained intact over the course of the study had not emptied from the stomach of the rats. This was also the case with the smaller sized device. In summary, we report for the first time, the use of a microPET/CT imaging technique to evaluate the in vivo behaviour of 3D printed formulations. The manipulation of the 3D printed device design could be used to fabricate dosage forms of varying sizes and geometries with better gastric emptying characteristics suitable for rodent administration. The increased understanding of the capabilities of 3DP in dosage form design could, henceforth, accelerate pre-clinical testing of new drug candidates in animal models.