This work aims to use carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as main structural and functional component of 3D printed scaffolds for healing of diabetic wounds. Differently from previous inks involving small contents in CMC, herein sterile (steam-heated) concentrated CMC solely dispersions (10-20%w/v) were screened regarding printability and fidelity properties. CMC (15%w/v)-citric acid inks showed excellent self-healing rheological properties and stability during storage. CMC scaffolds loaded with platelet rich plasma (PRP) sustained the release of relevant growth factors. CMC scaffolds both with and without PRP promoted angiogenesis in ovo, stem cell migration in vitro, and wound healing in a diabetic model in vivo. Transparent CMC scaffolds allowed direct monitoring of bilateral full-thickness wounds created in rat dorsum. CMC scaffolds facilitated re-epithelialization, granulation, and angiogenesis in full-thickness skin defects, and the performance was improved when combined with PRP. Overall, CMC is pointed out as outstanding component of active dressings for diabetic wounds.

Dry eye disease is a common ocular disorder that is characterised by tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation. Current treatment involves the use of eye drops; however, therapeutic efficacy is limited because of poor ocular bioavailability of topically applied formulations. In this study, digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing was employed to develop dexamethasone-loaded punctal plugs. Punctal plugs with different drug loadings were fabricated using polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) to create a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN). Drug-loaded punctal plugs were characterised in terms of physical characteristics (XRD and DSC), potential drug-photopolymer interactions (FTIR), drug release profile, and cytocompatibility. In vitro release kinetics of the punctal plugs were evaluated using an in-house flow rig model that mimics the subconjunctival space. The results showed sustained release of dexamethasone for up to 7 days from punctal plugs made with 20% w/w PEG 400 and 80% w/w PEGDA, while punctal plugs made with 100% PEGDA exhibited prolonged releases for more than 21 days. Herein, our study demonstrates that DLP 3D printing represents a potential manufacturing platform for fabricating personalised drug-loaded punctal plugs with extended release characteristics for ocular administration.

Chronic wounds, especially diabetic ulcers, pose a significant challenge in regenerative medicine. Cellulose derivatives offer remarkable wound management properties, such as effective absorption and retention of wound exudates, maintaining an optimal moisture environment crucial for successful chronic wound regeneration. However, conventional dressings have limited efficacy in managing and healing these types of skin lesions, driving scientists to explore innovative approaches. The emergence of 3D printing has enabled personalized dressings that meet individual patient needs, improving the healing process and patient comfort. Cellulose derivatives meet the demanding requirements for biocompatibility, printability, and biofabrication necessary for 3D printing of biologically active scaffolds. However, the potential applications of nanocellulose and cellulose derivative-based inks for wound regeneration remain largely unexplored. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in cellulose-based inks for 3D printing of personalized wound dressings. The composition and biofabrication approaches of cellulose-based wound dressings are thoroughly discussed, including the functionalization with bioactive molecules and antibiotics for improved wound regeneration. Similarly, the in vitro and in vivo performance of these dressings is extensively examined. In summary, this review aims to highlight the exceptional advantages and diverse applications of 3D printed cellulose-based dressings in personalized wound care.