The simple method to manufacture a flexible multi-drug with hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules-loaded composite membrane via three dimensional (3D) electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing has been demonstrated in this study. The composite membrane consists of two different drug-loaded sections: cellulose acetate-ibuprofen (CA-IBU) and cellulose acetate-paracetamol (CA-Para), respectively, with an intermediate polycaprolactone (PCL) folding component. The composite membranes can be folded and housed in commercial capsules to aid swallowing. By changing the number of PCL layers in the intermediate layers, it is possible to control and modify the mechanical and unfolding properties of the composite membrane. IBU and Para are loaded into the CA polymeric matrix in their amorphous states, with the matrices exhibiting Higuchi and first order release kinetics, respectively. The combination of IBU and Para can potentially be used as analgesic for patients. Magnetic nanoparticles as a functional material can be incorporated into the PCL matrix for wide targeting and traceable applications. The composite membrane here possesses good biocompatibility and flexibility; enabling extensive application prospects in drug combination therapy and personalized medicine.
Keywords: 3D printing; Composite; Drug delivery; Folding.
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