3D-Printed Capillarity-Driven Drug Delivery Systems for Controlled Release

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Leonard Siebert
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Pharmacy ; Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 555008437

This project aims to design, develop, and investigate 3D-printed capillarity-driven drug delivery systems (caDDS) to achieve precisely timed delays and prolonged, controlled drug release over an extended duration. Traditional drug delivery systems struggle with customizability and consistent release profiles. By fabricating porous, capillary-equipped constructs using the 3D-printing technique binder jetting at the KU Leuven, Belgium, the limitations of traditional drug delivery systems, will be overcome. The research will involve updating the binder jetting setup, parametrizing the jetting of molten polymer-based dispersions of drugs, and designing caDDS to study their influence on lag times and release kinetics. The ultimate goal is to validate the efficacy of caDDS using aspirin as a model drug, providing a novel approach to controlled drug delivery that is both efficient and commercially viable. This project will significantly contribute to the field of drug delivery systems, offering new insights and potential applications in personalized medicine.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Belgium
• Participating Institution: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Centre for Membrane Separations, Adsorption, Catalysis ; and Spectroscopy for Sustainable Solutions (cMACS)
• Host: Professor Rob Ameloot, Ph.D.