Novel 3D-Printed Dressings of Chitosan-Vanillin-Modified Chitosan Blends Loaded with Fluticasone Propionate for Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

In the present study, the blends of CS and Vanillin-CS derivative (VACS) were utilized for the preparation of printable inks for their application in three-dimensional (3D) printing procedures. Despite the synergic interaction between the blends, the addition of ι-carrageenan (iCR) as a thickening agent was mandatory. Their viscosity analysis was conducted for the evaluation of the optimum CS/VACS ratio. The shear thinning behavior along with the effect of the temperature on viscosity values were evident. Further characterization of the 3D-printed structures was conducted. The effect of the CS/VACS ratio was established through swelling and contact angle measurements. An increasing amount of VACS resulted in lower swelling ability along with higher hydrophobicity. Fluticasone propionate (FLU), a crystalline synthetic corticosteroid, was loaded into the CS/VACS samples. The drug was loaded in its amorphous state, and consequently, its in vitro release was significantly enhanced. An initial burst release, followed by a sustained release profile, was observed.

Keywords: 3D printing; atopic dermatitis; chitosan; drug release; fluticasone propionate; polymer blends.

Figure 1

The 3D-printed multilayered scaffolds of CS/VACS 6% w/v (a) 50/50, (b) 60/40, and (c) 70/30.

Figure 2

Viscosity dependency over increasing rpm values of the samples: (a) CS/VACS/iCR 50/50 20–60 rpm, (b) CS/VACS/iCR 50/50 21–22 rpm, (c) CS/VACS/iCR 60/40 20–60 rpm, (d) CS/VACS/iCR 60/40 25–26 rpm, (e) CS/VACS/iCR 70/30 20–60 rpm, and (f) CS/VACS/iCR 70/30 24–25 rpm.

Figure 3

Images of the samples CS/VACS/iCR 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30 before and after gelation and stereomicroscope images of the samples after gelation and after freeze-drying.

Figure 4

Average (a) scaffold’s line diameter and (b) pore sizes of the samples CS/VACS/iCR 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30. Five measurements were performed for each sample.

Figure 5

(a) FTIR spectra and (b) X-ray spectra of the samples CS, VACS, iCR, and CS/VACS/iCR with 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30 ratios.

Figure 6

Contact angle images and their values of the CS/VACS/iCR 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30.

Figure 7

(a) Degree of swelling, (b) water content, (c) dehydration, and (d) enzymatic hydrolysis of the samples CS/VACS/iCR 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30 as a function of time.

Figure 8

FTIR spectra: (a) CS/VACS/iCR 70/30, (b) CS/VACS/iCR 60/40, and (c) CS/VACS/iCR 50/50 containing FLU in different ratios of 5%, 10% and 20% w/w.

Figure 9

XRD diffractograms: (a) CS/VACS/iCR 70/30, (b) CS/VACS/iCR 60/40, and (c) CS/VACS/iCR 50/50, containing FLU in different ratios 5%, 10% and 20% w/w.

Figure 10

In vitro release of FLU from CS/VACS/iCR patches at pH 7.4. (a) CS/VACS 70/30, (b) CS/VACS 60/40, (c) CS/VACS 50/50.