Fused deposition modeling (FDM)-mediated 3D-printed mouth-dissolving wafers loaded with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for in vitro release

Localized delivery of drugs or nanoparticles for oral cancer is always preferred. Additive manufacturing (AM)-driven 3D-printed wafers to deliver nanoparticles offers a new dimension to the cutting-edge delivery perspective. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were loaded inside 3D wafers, printed using poly (vinyl alcohol) as polymer. Wafers showed a loading capacity of 50 ± 2.5 mg with desired surface and unaltered thermal properties. In vitro release of NLCs was performed to ascertain the release of particles from 3D wafer. Derived Kilo Counts per Second (KCPS) obtained from dynamic light scattering (DLS) corresponds to NLCs population. The progressive release of NLCs from 3D wafer was observed in a time-dependent manner as the PVA matrix became exhausted and started dissolving in artificial saliva, leading to the release of complete NLCs. Thus, NLCs delivery through 3D wafers at the desired site of action can be considered the latest AM-driven treatment approach for oral cancer.