3D printed glass-based biophotonic scaffolds for in situ activation of photoswitchable drugs
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The fabrication of porous biophotonic scaffold using a robocasting is reported here. Such material could be used for in-situ activation of photoswitchable drugs, which is essential for improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. The scaffold is made of a phosphate glass mixed with CaWO₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ crystals and SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphors. Upon 980 nm irradiation, the scaffold emits blue light and green afterglow, enabling in-situ activation post-implantation as NIR light penetrates tissue. The challenges related to the sintering process and its effect on the spectroscopic properties of the scaffold are discussed. The as-3D printed scaffold successfully enables one to activate the muscarinic photoswitchable drug Phthal Azobenzene Iperoxo (PAI) upon NIR excitation, confirming the potential for in-situ phototriggered delivery of drug action using tissue-permeable light stimulus.
Institutions: Tampere University, University of Tampere, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Ghent University, University of Turku, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, European Commission, Academy of Finland, Generalitat de Catalunya, Universiteit Gent, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent, European Regional Development Fund, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council
Awards: LUMINESCENT IMPLANTS AS PORTS FOR LIGHT-BASED THERAPIES, G1695915154, G1790592652, G2262748287, G2304947563, G2328084784, G3005324705, G313138380, G3480869486, G3742369756, G3936970252, G3957714892, G4042783231, G406815724, G434337789, G4416505526, Light emitting 3D printed bioactive scaffold embedded in hydrogel for maxillofacial bone healing with limited risk of infection, DEEP BRAIN PHOTONIC TOOLS FOR CELL-TYPE SPECIFIC TARGETING OF NEURAL DISEASES, G7425137858, G7852135844, G8447332696, G8684520763, Human Brain Project Specific Grant Agreement 3, G8924457765
OpenAlex ID: W4413758769