In the current study a 3D-printable system was developed, based on natural, food-grade and nontoxic materials that may be used as a platform technology to host cannabinoids, and more specifically CBD for medicinal purposes. Pectin and honey were combined toward the fabrication of 3D printable inks that form solid structures upon drying. This model food-grade 3D-printed system was evaluated as a host matrix for the incorporation of CBD, in the form of inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrins. The prepared solid inclusion complexes were characterized by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) complemented with phase solubility studies and in vitro release of the β-CD/CBD complex. The release behavior of CBD from the 3D printed formulations was assessed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated colonic fluid (SCF). The results shown that that the highest release rates of CBD were obtained in SCF medium, with minor release in SGF and SIF media.
Keywords: 3D printing; Food grade; additive manufacturing; cannabidiol; cannabis; colon specific; cyclodextrin; material extrusion; pectin; semi-solid extrusion printing.