In this study, drug carrier nanoparticles comprised of Pluronic-F127 and cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG) were developed, and their wound healing action was studied. They were further incorporated in 3D printed films based on sodium alginate. The prepared films were characterized morphologically and physicochemically and used to evaluate the drug release profiles of the nanoparticles. Additional studies on their water loss rate, water retention capacity, and 3D-printing shape fidelity were performed. Nanoparticles were characterized physicochemically and for their drug loading performance. They were further assessed for their cytotoxicity (MTT Assay) and wound healing action (Cell Scratch Assay). The in vitro wound-healing study showed that the nanoparticles successfully enhanced wound healing in the first 6 h of application, but in the following 6 h they had an adverse effect. MTT assay studies revealed that in the first 24 h, a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL nanoparticles resulted in satisfactory cell viability, whereas CBG nanoparticles were safe even at 48 h. However, in higher concentrations and after a threshold of 24 h, the cell viability was significantly decreased. The results also presented mono-disperse nano-sized particles with diameters smaller than 200 nm with excellent release profiles and enhanced thermal stability. Their entrapment efficiency and drug loading properties were higher than 97%. The release profiles of the active pharmaceutical ingredients from the films revealed a complete release within 24 h. The fabricated 3D-printed films hold promise for wound healing applications; however, more studies are needed to further elucidate their mechanism of action.

In the current study a 3D-printable system was developed, based on natural, food-grade and non-toxic materials that may be used as a platform technology to host cannabinoids, and more specifically CBD for medicinal purposes. Pectin and honey were combined towards the fabrication of 3D printable inks that form solid structures upon drying. This model food-grade 3D-printed system was evaluated as a host matrix for the incorporation of CBD, in the form of inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrins. The prepared solid inclusion complexes were characterized by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) complemented with phase solubility studies and in vitro release of the β-CD/CBD complex. The release behavior of CBD from the 3D printed formulations was assessed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated colonic fluid (SCF). The results shown that that the highest release rates of CBD were obtained in SCF medium, with minor release in SGF and SIF media.