Chitosan-based spray-dried solid dispersions of apigenin in a 3D printable drug delivery system

This study aims to develop chitosan-based apigenin (AGN) spray-dried solid dispersions (SDSDs) within a 3D pill. AGN SDSDs were prepared using 1:1 (AC1), 1:1.5 (AC2), and 1:2 (AC1) apigenin/chitosan weight ratios. The results of the process yield were found to be (87.5%, 94.2%, and 95.86%) and of drug assay were obtained as (95.2 ± 1.34%), (99.5 ± 0.85%) and (97.6 ± 2.42%) for AC1, AC2 and AC3, respectively. FTIR revealed compatibility between chitosan and apigenin. DSC and XRD revealed an amorphous state of developed solid dispersions. In contrast, SEM images reflected irregular-block and near-spherical-shape elongated particles in the selected AC2. The antimicrobial examination reflected that AC2 was more effective against Gram-positive, −negative, and fungal strains. AC2 SDSDs had more antioxidant property compared to pure AGN. The anti-proliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cell lines showed a better anticancer activity by AC2 SDSDs. Selected AC2 SDSD was filled in a 3D shell pill and was further characterized in terms of stability. The product had a sustained release and similar release profiles after 3 months of storage. The findings suggest that AC2 SDSDs could be a promising candidate for further development as a 3D-printed drug delivery system for treating multiple disease conditions.