Marpin; (2024) Development of 4D Printed Self-expanding Gastro-retentive Sustained Release Drug Delivery Device. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

Text Marpin's PhD Thesis.pdf - Accepted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 1 December 2025. Download (6MB)

Abstract

This thesis details the development of a 4D-printed, self-expanding gastro-retentive drug delivery device (GRDDS) aimed at enhancing sustained drug release in the stomach, particularly for medications that benefit conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infections, diabetes, and Parkinson‘s disease. Utilising stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, this research rigorously evaluates the printability of polyacrylamide, optimising its formulation to achieve a precise, reproducible structure suitable for compression within a '000' gelatin capsule. The project addresses critical design challenges, creating a device that expands upon exposure to gastric fluid, withstands compression forces during encapsulation, and remains effectively retained in the stomach. The polyacrylamide-based hydrogel‘s properties were enhanced, including improved photopolymerisation rates for SLA compatibility, and refined through extensive design iterations to balance flexibility and structural integrity. This enables the GRDDS to regain its intended form post-capsule dissolution in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The research further explores the hydrogel‘s characteristics through swelling studies, acid degradation, and thermal stability analyses via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The GRDDS‘s drug release profile, evaluated through in vitro SGF experiments, demonstrates controlled, sustained release, underscoring its potential to improve therapeutic outcomes for diseases with narrow absorption windows, short half-lives, or localised gastric activity.

Download activity - last month

Export as XMLCSVJSON

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as JSONCSVXML

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLJSONCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item