(203n) Controlled Delivery of Fluorophores from 3D Two-Photon Photolithographic Printed Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Methacrylate Scaffolds

Controlled drug delivery systems have been utilized to enhance the therapeutic effects of many current drugs by effectively delivering drugs in a time-dependent and repeatable manner. With the aid of 3D printing technology, a novel drug delivery device was fabricated and tested to appraise functionality. Poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate(PEGMA) scaffolds were fabricated using a Photonic Professional GT 3D printer. These scaffolds were printed with varying degrees of hatching, slicing, and pore sizes in order to observe the effects of these parameters on drug released. To test for controlled drug release, rhodamine B was used as a model drug and was homogenously mixed into the PEGMA to be trapped inside the polymer matrix after photopolymerization. Scaffolds were analyzed using a fluorescence microscope and quantified through an imaging software. Scaffolds were also imaged under the scanning electron microscope(SEM) to visualize the ultra-morphology and fine resolution of the micron size printed scaffolds. PEGMA scaffolds were then investigated for toxicity, where MTS assays were performed on induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). The variability of the hatching, slicing, and pore size of the fabricated PEGMA scaffolds provided controlled release of rhodamine. When incubated with the iPSC, the scaffolds were observed to have no cytotoxic effects. The SEM images reaffirms the ability to fabricate scaffolds at the micron and nano- scale with high precision. Using the two-photon photolithographic printer, complex and miniature scaffolds can be printed with fine details, while providing control drug release.