Development of semi-solid materials for 3D printing of personalized medicines

• Grant number: 24/15595-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Jose Luis Davila Sanchez
• Grantee: Larissa Mayra Silva Ribeiro
• Associated research grant: 24/01992-1 - Development of standard semi-solid materials for 3D printing of personalized medications, AP.R

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is currently used in various sectors and applications with different types of materials. In the pharmaceutical sector, it represents a promising innovation, considering that the use of desktop 3D printers may allow the manufacturing of medications with personalized dosages according to the patient's needs. Furthermore, different morphologies can be manufactured, which would allow modifying the release of the active ingredient, combining different medications, manufacturing modular medications, among others. This research project aims to advance the development of standard semi-solid materials for 3D printing by material extrusion. The main objective is to formulate, characterize, and test different formulations to be used as a base material for the subsequent addition of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The research to be conducted is disruptive, and in the first instance, the formulation of base materials is fundamental. The scope of the project will be oriented towards determining the protocols for formulation and 3D printing of different materials that ensure the 3D structuring of drug geometries. The project will be executed in four interconnected stages. The first one focuses on the formulation of semi-solid materials and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The second stage covers rheological, chemical, and thermal characterizations prior to the printing process. In the third stage, 3D printing will take place, evaluating the printing capability of the selected materials. The last stage involves studies of controlled release and biocompatibility. The project has been planned considering a 24-month schedule and will be executed using the hardware and software developed by the startup 593iCAN 3D Printing Solutions Ltda., a company currently carrying out a FAPESP PIPE Phase 2 project. In this sense, interaction with the startup will be significant, as the development of semi-solid materials will allow the validation and increase of the technology's maturity level. The project seeks to establish a precedent for transforming the way medications are produced and personalized.