Development of wound dressings for biofilm inhibition by means of inkjet printing

Abstract

Printing technology has given new opportunities for the fabrication of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The utilization of inkjet printing allows obtaining drug delivery systems with controlled and precise dosing of low dose medications. The healing process of wounds is hindered due to the biofilm formation by the bacteria. Therefore, effective antimicrobial treatments are crucial in wound care. In this study, the use of inkjet printing technology for the fabrication of antibacterial drug formulations for topical applications was investigated. The customized formulations with antibiotic gentamicin sulfate printed on medical grade silicon sheeting were prepared. The results showed that the inhibition of biofilm formation was achieved with all the printed formulations in pre-exposure assay to Staphylococcus aureus on static method agar plates. This study provided insight into the feasibility of inkjet printing for the fabrication of topical drug delivery systems. By adjusting the dose and drug-covered area in the wound dressings, inkjet printing could provide the flexibility that is needed to improve the personalization of wound care.