3D printed, PVA-PAA hydrogel loaded-polycaprolactone scaffold for the delivery of hydrophilic in-situ formed sodium indomethacin

Abstract

3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL)-blended scaffolds have been designed, prepared, and evaluated in vitro in this study prior to the incorporation of a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid (PVA-PAA) hydrogel for the delivery of in situ-formed sodium indomethacin. The prepared PCL-PVA-PAA scaffold is proposed as a potential structural support system for load-bearing tissue damage where inflammation is prevalent. Uniaxial strain testing of the PCL-blended scaffolds were undertaken to determine the scaffold's resistance to strain in addition to its thermal, structural, and porosimetric properties. The viscoelastic properties of the incorporated PVA-PAA hydrogel has also been determined, as well as the drug release profile of the PCL-PVA-PAA scaffold. Results of these analyses noted the structural strength, thermal stability, and porosimetric properties of the scaffold, as well as the ability of the PCL-PVA-PAA scaffold to deliver sodium indomethacin in simulated physiological conditions of pH and temperature. The results of this study therefore highlight the successful design, fabrication, and in vitro evaluation of a 3D printed polymeric strain-resistant supportive platform for the delivery of sodium indomethacin.