The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of piezoelectric inkjet technology in the preparation of custom-made indomethacin (IMC) films. Indomethacin solutions with and without PVP were printed onto polymeric sheets using a commercial inkjet printer. Drug loading was varied by selecting a machine parameter different dots per inches (DPIs). The printed patches were evaluated for particulate morphologies, drug loading, in vitro release and ex vivo skin permeation and anti-inflammatory effects using hind paw inflammation model. Calculated drug loaded in 2 × 2 cm2 patches of IMC of 96, 300, and 600 DPIs were in the range of 40, 60, and 65 μg, respectively. Patches loaded with IMC alcoholic solution showed crystalline structures observed by scanning electron microscopy and the addition of PVP in solution turned it to amorphous form. The drug release profile showed 60-70% of total drug released in 3 h. Permeation studies showed 40-50% of total drug loaded permeated through rat skin using Franz cells. Patches with higher printing density 600 DPI showed anti-inflammatory effect in hind paw inflammation model studies. This study has shown the potential of personalized medicine in which a calculated amount of drug can be delivered to patients by piezoelectric technology.
Keywords: Inkjet printing; films; indomethacin; patches; transdermal drug delivery.