3D printing of intrauterine device loaded with silver sulfadiazine to the treatment of fungal diseases

Purpose: The main goal of the present study is to develop and manufacture drug delivery devices for fungal treatment concerning women's health attention. Methods: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane TPU were manufactured by hot melt extrusion (HME) and fused-deposition modeling (FDM™). Drug loaded prototypes were manufactured combining EVA and TPU matrices with silver sulfadiazine (AgSD). Results: EVA and TPU were loaded with 10 and 20% theoretical drug load resulting in desired intrauterine device geometries. The devices' physicochemical, mechanical properties and in-vitro drug release were characterized. Drug release presented a burst release due to surface agglomerates of AgSD and controlled release after this initial behavior. Conclusion: The HME were successfully used to produce polymeric filaments and to incorporate the drug into the polymeric matrix. The EVA and TPU devices were released for 30 days, showing promising results for the local delivery systems.