Customized oral mucosal adhesive film-based functional-substance delivery system using embedded 3D printing method

Oral mucosal adhesive films (OMAFs) have attracted attention as delivery systems for the easy ingestion of functional substances. However, conventional casting-based production limits the potential for personalization and controllable onset of action of functional substances. Although inkjet-type substance impregnation technology has been developed, it remains challenging to control the release characteristics, and the loadable capacity is lacking. In this study, a custom OMAF system was developed using a three-dimensional (3D) printer and loaded with curcumin as a model functional substance. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (content of 1%–20%) was embedded as an OMAF matrix, and the curcumin core was loaded through 3D printing. The embedded curcumin reached defined doses of 34.53–138.13 ppm depending on the infill patterns and nozzle sizes. In addition, the mechanical properties of the OMAF were modified according to the direction of 3D printing. The results indicated that 3D printing can provide customized dosages of functional substances as well as control dissolution and improve stability.