Design, Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Antimicrobial Discs Using Semisolid Extrusion Based 3D Printing Technology

Background

3D printing holds great promise for the development of innovative, individualised approaches to the distribution of medicinal products. The use of 3D printing to create objects with antibiotics has many advantages, such as more precise drug content and better drug distribution.

Aim

This study aimed to develop polyherbal antimicrobial discs using 3D printing technology.

Materials and Methods

Using HPMC-K100M and PEG-400, plant extracts of Artemisia vulgaris, Hemionitis arifolia, and Piper officinarum were combined to create drug-loaded gels that could be printed using the solvent-cast process. Prior to being printed onto circular discs using SSE at a head speed of 0.5 mm/s, the gels underwent tests to ensure homogeneity, injection force, and viscosity. A total of nine formulations, denoted as F1-F9, were developed and refined.

Results

Drug release investigations, FTIR and SEM characterization, compatibility, and desirable surface morphology were all considered when formulas were tested, with particle sizes varying from 467.3 nm to 1.013 µm. In comparison to regular amoxicillin, the discs showed considerable antibacterial effectiveness against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The results showed that the discs were effective against a wide variety of bacteria, making them an attractive substitute for more conventional wound care methods.

Conclusion

Targeted drug administration with fewer excipients improves skin wound and infection treatment and tackles Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) concerns. To create efficient and cost-effective 3D-printed polyherbal DDSs.