New Biodegradable Drug Delivery System for Patients with Dry Eye

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a new type of drug delivery system (DDS) for treatment of dry eye. Methods: A new lens-type biodegradable DDS was manufactured using gelatin methacryloly, antibiotics, and conjunctivalepithelial cells as bio-inks in a Bio X 3D Bioprinter. Gelatin methacryloly was used as a base, and the conditions were analyzedto maintain the overall shape by using a mixture of 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.3% hyaluronic acid. In addition, an experiment wasconducted to measure the appropriate concentration by evaluating its cytotoxicity according to the concentration of antibioticsmixed therein to prevent infection. The degree of degradation according to the storage temperature and post-processingof the new lens-type biodegradable DDS was measured. Results: Optimal conditions were maintained when using a nozzle pressure of 80 kPa and speed of 4 mm/sec, nozzle pressureof 50 kPa and speed of 3 mm/sec, nozzle pressure of 60 kPa and speed of 8 mm/sec for 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.3% hyaluronicacid concentrations, respectively. Degradation did not occur at 4°C and all the lenses were degraded at 37°C within 24 hours. In addition, the degradation rate was delayed according to the ultraviolet crosslink treatment time. Tobramycin 1% was usedas an antibiotic during manufacture. Conclusions: A new lens-type biodegradable DDS that can control the degree of degradation was designed using a 3-dimentionalbioprinter. This DDS will contribute to ease of treatment, protection of the cornea, and regeneration of the epitheliumin patients with dry eye.