3D printed subcutaneous implant for prolonged delivery of tenofovir with desired release capability, biocompatibility, and viability

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure 2025-01, Vol.1319, p.139559, Article 139559
• Main Authors: Sharan, Marepally Karthik Venkat Sai, Choudhury, Dinesh, Mohapatra, Purusottam, Banerjee, Subham
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bovine serum albumin; Hydrogel; Implant; Rheology; Tenofovir
• ISSN: 0022-2860
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2024.139559

•Developed 3D printed subcutaneous hydrogel-based implant for prolonged tenofovir delivery.•Hydrogel-based implant was composed of MC-reinforced with BSA hydrogel, crosslinked with GA.•Hydrogel exhibited shear thinning and self-healing behaviour, ideal for semi-solid material extrusion to prototype designed SC implant structure.•Implant showed thermal stability, porous structure, enzyme-degradation, limited swelling and sustained release of tenofovir (∼63 %) over 28 days.•Finally, it was cyto-compatible with human kidney and dermal fibroblast cell lines. This study introduced a progressive approach to address the challenges associated with drug delivery in hepatitis B by developing a 3D printed subcutaneous implant. The implant, composed of a polymer-reinforced bovine serum albumin hydrogel crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, exhibited shear thinning and thixotropic behavior. This allows it to undergo transformation into an implant using a semisolid extrusion-based 3D printing technique. Thorough analysis encompassing physical, thermal, and spectroscopy assessments ensured thermal and chemical stability of the implant. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the highly porous microstructures of the hydrogel implant, enhancing its suitability for drug encapsulation. Swelling study showed only 7.88 % swelling of the implant after 28 days, suggesting restricted water movement into the implant matrix, leading to a gradual release of the encapsulated drug. The biodegradable nature of the implant was confirmed using an enzyme degradation study. Notably, the hydrogel implant exhibited sustained release of tenofovir of approximately 63 % over a 28-day period, presenting a promising avenue for prolonged therapeutic interventions in both hepatitis B. Furthermore, the crosslinked hydrogel was found to be cytocompatible in human kidney and dermal fibroblast cells. Overall, this work signifies a notable advancement in implantable drug delivery systems utilizing both hydrogel and the emerging 3D printing technique, offering a potential solution for sustained and localized treatment of chronic viral infections. [Display omitted]