Inkjet printing of doxycycline loaded transdermal film for wound infection

Abstract

Recent developments in inkjet printing technology have an influence on the development of personalised medicine. Inkjet printing is a latest tool for the printing of active pharmaceutical ingredient in precise and accurate manner with minimum material loss. The aim of the study was to develop and characterise the inkjet printed fast dissolving transdermal films for the delivery of a model drug (doxycycline) for wound infection. The formulations were prepared by using mucoadhesive polymer (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose), cellulose gum (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose)/instant release film former (Kollicoat®) - a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol graft copolymer and plasticiser (glycerol). Preliminary studies were carried out for weight uniformity, percentage moisture content and uptake, folding endurance, elongation, swelling index, surface pH, hydration time and in vitro release studies using modified Franz Diffusion Cells. Concentration of different polymers was tailored by the release rate of doxycycline from the films. In conclusions, inkjet printing can be a key tool for the manufacture of thin films for the treatment a wide range of bacterial wound infection.