The growing popularity of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technology in science, industry, and in-home use is associated with an increased demand for high-quality polymer filaments. This study presents an in-depth characterization and analysis of a self-made bio-based polylactide (PLA)/thermoplastic potato starch (TPS) filament dedicated for the FFF 3D printing technology. The obtained results were compared with the commercial PLA filament (FF). The series of conducted studies (i.e., Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis) revealed that both of the investigated filaments are stable under FFF 3D printing conditions. The mechanical test showed a correlation between the print orientation and raster angle on the strength features. The most favorable strengths values were recorded for the ZX_0° configuration, which were ∼18/22 MPa of tensile strength and ∼9/18 kJ m^–2 of Charpy impact strength for the PLA/TPS filament and FF, respectively. Also, it was observed that the developed bio-filament has a more hydrophilic surface and is more susceptible to hydrolytic degradation in the phosphate-buffered saline solution than the FF. The composting study (according to the EN ISO 20200 standard) revealed that the commercial PLA printouts remain intact, while the PLA/TPS samples showed a mass loss of 19%. Finally, the remarkable printability of PLA/TPS was successfully demonstrated by FFF 3D printing of personalized anatomical models and complex porous structures.

Dermal or transdermal patches are increasingly becoming a noteworthy alternative as carriers for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which makes their detailed physicochemical evaluation essential for pharmaceutical development. This paper demonstrates mid-infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy with complementary microscopic methods (SEM, optical and confocal Raman microscopy) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as tools for the identification of the state of model API (testosterone TST, cytisine CYT or indomethacin IND) in selected adhesive matrices. Among the employed spectroscopic techniques, FTIR and Raman may be used not only as standard methods for API identification in the matrix, but also as a means of distinguishing commercially available polymeric materials of a similar chemical structures. A novel approach for the preparation of adhesive polymers for the FTIR analysis was introduced. In silicone matrices, all three APIs were suspended, whereas in the case of the acrylic PSA, Raman microscopy confirmed that only IND was dissolved in all three acrylic matrices, and the dissolved fraction of the CYT differed depending on the matrix type. Moreover, the recrystallization of TST was observed in one of the acrylates. Interestingly, a DSC analysis of the acrylic patches did not confirm the presence of the API even if the microscopic images showed suspended particles.

The use of polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) as a drug carrier in transdermal adhesive patches is limited and there is insufficient data on the polymer structure and diffusivity, especially when additives modify the matrix. PDMS films with liquid additives (10% w/w): silicone oil (SO), polyoxyethylene glycol (PEG) or propylene glycol (PG) were prepared and indomethacin (IND; 5% w/w) was incorporated as a model active substance. The microstructure of the PDMS matrix and its permeability to water was investigated and correlated to the kinetics of the in-vitro IND release from the film. Three microscopic techniques were used to characterize in detail the microstructure of PDMS films: scanning electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy and atomic force microscopy. PDMS films with hydrophilic PEG or PG showed different two-phase structures. A two-fold increase in steady-state flux of IND and increased water transport in the presence of PEG was attributed to the pore-like channels created by this polar solvent in the PDMS matrix. This effect was not observed in the films with PG, where only discontinuous droplet-like structures were visible. All additives significantly changed the tensile parameters of the films but the effects were not very pronounced.