3D printed reservoir implants for sustained drug delivery

By delivering treatment directly to the site of the solid tumour such as Glioblastoma (GBM), higher concentrations of the chemotherapy agent can be achieved while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues, thus reducing systemic side effects. The manufactured implants employed in this Thesis apply to many drug compounds, such as hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Lastly, we developed and optimized these 3D-printed reservoir-type implants as a combinational therapy for targeted sustained Acriflavine Hydrochloride (ACF) delivery to GBM post-surgery, as ACF has anticancer but also antibacterial properties.

Overall, this research highlights the potential of 3D-printed implants as versatile and effective long-term drug delivery systems for localized treatment of tumours and bacterial infections. This thesis contributes to the advancement of sustained drug delivery by introducing novel biocompatible implantable devices. Continued research and innovation in this field are expected to drive further improvements in drug delivery technology and the future of medicine.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.</i>