Optimization of 3D printed encapsulation system for oral delivery

Abstract

Cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been on the rise in recent years and with its significant effects on human health, it is worth noting as there is currently no definitive cure. Hence IBD patients can only control the disease through anti inflammatory medications, dietary adjustments, and surgery in severe cases. Probiotics, specifically derived probiotics EVs, can be a potential treatment method but have yet to be commercialization due to limitations such as yield and storage.

This study explores the potential of lyophilized sodium alginate (AL-Na) beads encapsulating mimetic extracellular vesicles (MEVs) derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as an alternative treatment for IBD. Using the probiotics mechanism such as gut-healing and reduced inflammatory properties, MEVs are combined with AL-Na into a bio-ink for 3D bioprinting. The printed beads subsequently undergo lyophilization to enhance shelf-life and assist the ease of oral delivery.

Mechanical and thermal properties through experiments have shown that lyophilization process increases rigidity of structure and thermal stability, compared to the fresh hydrogel state counterpart. Release profile studies displayed the release of MEVs in alkaline environments, which simulate the gut conditions while remaining stable and intact in neutral and acidic environments. The media exposure test reconfirms the hypothesis, where the AL-Na encapsulation layer of lyophilized beads displayed pH-responsive behavior. With complete dissolution only in alkaline conditions. These findings support the hypothesis that the lyophilized AL-Na MEVs bead is a potential encapsulation method for IBD treatment.