Development of mucoadhesive 3D-printed Carbopol/Eudragit/SNAC tablets for the oral delivery of enoxaparin: In vitro and ex vivo evaluation.

ABSTRACT

3D-printed dosage forms comprised of Carbopol and Eudragit were fabricated through semi-solid extrusion, combining Enoxaparin (Enox) and the permeation enhancer SNAC in a single-step process without subsequent post-processing. Inks were characterized using rheology and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The stability of Enox in the fabricated dosage forms was assessed by means of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Circular Dichroism (CD) analysis. In vitro release studies revealed the release of Enox in a sustained manner, whereas ex vivo experiments demonstrated the mucoadhesive properties of the 3D-printed dosage forms and their ability to enhance Enox permeability across intestinal mucosa. Cellular assays (CCK-8 assay) revealed a dose- and time-dependent response following incubation with the 3D-printed dosage forms. The encapsulation of SNAC in the 3D-printed dosage forms demonstrated their capacity to increase the transcellularly transport of macromolecule across Caco-2 monolayer in a reversible manner, as confirmed by Transepithelial Resistance (TEER) measurements.