Can Liposomes Survive Inkjet Printing? The Effect of Jetting on Key Liposome Attributes for Drug Delivery Applications

Abstract

Purpose Inkjet printing has the potential to enable novel personalized and tailored drug therapies based on liposome and lipid nanoparticles. However, due to the significant shear force exerted on the jetted fluids, its suitability for shear-sensitive materials such as liposomes, has not been verified. We have conducted a proof-of-concept study to examine whether the particle concentration and size distribution of placebo liposomes are affected by common inkjet/dispensing technologies. Methods We have subjected three types of liposome-containing fluids (“inks”) to two different commercial dispensing/jetting technologies, which are relevant to most drug printing approaches. The liposome jetting processes were observed in real-time using strobographic imaging techniques. The phospholipid concentrations and particle size distributions were determined before and after jetting via enzymatic colorimetric and dynamic light scattering methods, respectively. Results Our results have shown that the jetting dynamics of the liposome inks are well predicted by the established inkjet printing regime map based on their physical properties and the jetting conditions. Importantly, although significant shear forces were confirmed during jetting, the liposome concentrations and particle size distributions in the collected samples remain largely unaffected. Conclusion These findings, we believe, provide the essential proof-of-concept to encourage further development in this highly topical research area.

Inkjet Printing of Pharmaceuticals

“…Lipid-Based Pharma-Inks: Lipid-based pharma-inks represent an innovative approach that harnesses the unique properties of lipids as the main component. These formulations often incorporate liposomes, [92,93] or solid lipid nanoparticles as carriers for the drugs. Examples of lipids commonly used in lipid-based pharma-inks include phosphatidylcholine [92] and cholesterol.…”

“…Examples of lipids commonly used in lipid‐based pharma‐inks include phosphatidylcholine [ 92 ] and cholesterol. [ 93 ] The choice of these specific lipids is driven by their biocompatibility and versatility.…”