Chung, Se Hun;
(2024)
Solvent-Cast Direct-Writing of Biodegradable Systems with
Controlled Drug Release.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
Preview |
Text
PhD_Thesis_SHChung.pdf - Other Download (239MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Implementing three-dimensional (3D) printing as a new means of fabricating drug delivery systems offers innovative solutions for patient-specific treatments. Solvent-cast direct-writing (SC-DW) is a versatile 3D printing technology that constructs architectures by microextrusion of polymer solutions through a nozzle methodically, which rigidises in compliance with solvent evaporation. This work aimed to utilise the SC-DW approach to fabricate biodegradable systems with controlled drug release for tissue engineering applications. A novel SC-DW protocol has been developed specifically to enable the fabrication of sophisticated architectures with the polymers of interest, polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA), and the model drug ibuprofen. The developed fabrication protocol was applied to optimise ibuprofen-loaded PCL/PLA formulations. In vitro dissolution studies have shown that the proportion of the constituents, employed nozzle size and structural architecture regulates drug release performance. A strong correlation between the physical form of the polymers and the release mechanism was revealed and utilised to predict optimal formulations for sustained drug release while simultaneously magnifying the cumulative release. Mathematical modelling of the kinetics has revealed that the drug release mechanism of the optimum formulations was primarily attributed to diffusion with contribution from the relaxation of polymeric chains. Controlled local release of ibuprofen through a biodegradable nerve guidance conduit (NGC) can be particularly useful for treating peripheral neuropathies. The comprehensive analyses of PCL/PLA systems were evaluated to develop a biomimetic and functional NGC with the aid of microstructural design. The outcome indicated that the fabricated NGC has the potential to locally deliver ibuprofen in a controlled and sustained manner over the requisite regeneration period, promote neurite growth and possess comparable mechanical properties to human nerve tissues, proving to be a promising candidate for treating peripheral nerve injuries.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Solvent-Cast Direct-Writing of Biodegradable Systems with Controlled Drug Release |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2024. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Mechanical Engineering |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10195746 |
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
