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Development of a gastric delivery system for micronutrient supplementation using advanced manufacturing techniques
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies worldwide, increasing the risk for disability and death for more than two billion people. [1] With conventional supplements, the bolus of iron quickly passes from the stomach through the iron absorptive region of the upper small intestine, greatly decreasing the efficiency of iron absorption and increasing side effects. [2,3] The goal of this project is to leverage advance biomaterial design and additive manufacturing to engineer gastric delivery systems that provide a controlled release of ferrous iron and increase its absorption .
Keywords: 3d printing; micronutrients, food supplementation; biomaterial design
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies worldwide, increasing the risk for disability and death for more than two billion people. [1] Lack of iron causes anemia, impairs cognitive and behavioral development, decreases work capacity, and when severe, increases the risk of death during pregnancy, infancy and childhood. [2,3] Iron supplements are needed for prevention of iron deficiency, especially among infants, children and pregnant women, and for correction of IDA in all affected individuals. [1] Conventional iron supplements, given as a bolus dose, commonly cause nausea, epigastric discomfort and other gastrointestinal side effects that lead many individuals to discontinue and avoid their use.
Recently, novel manufacturing techniques and biomaterial platforms have become available for ad-hoc additive manufacturing, which have high versatility and flexibility, so that more personalised products could be produced targeting anatomical and physiological characteristics of specific vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and women of reproductive age.
Initially, in this project, a broad screening of literature review and potential suitable materials will be conducted. In a second step, prototypes will be produced containing ferrous iron. Different geometries and swelling proprieties will be characterized in vitro for their release behaviour.
For this semester project / internship we are looking for an independent and enterprising student with background in food science, biomedical engineering, pharmacy, chemistry or chemical engineering, material science, or similar background. Previous experience in biomaterial design, chemistry are of advantage. No previous knowledge in 3D printing and drug release is required. Part of this project will be performed in collaboration with an external partner.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies worldwide, increasing the risk for disability and death for more than two billion people. [1] Lack of iron causes anemia, impairs cognitive and behavioral development, decreases work capacity, and when severe, increases the risk of death during pregnancy, infancy and childhood. [2,3] Iron supplements are needed for prevention of iron deficiency, especially among infants, children and pregnant women, and for correction of IDA in all affected individuals. [1] Conventional iron supplements, given as a bolus dose, commonly cause nausea, epigastric discomfort and other gastrointestinal side effects that lead many individuals to discontinue and avoid their use. Recently, novel manufacturing techniques and biomaterial platforms have become available for ad-hoc additive manufacturing, which have high versatility and flexibility, so that more personalised products could be produced targeting anatomical and physiological characteristics of specific vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and women of reproductive age. Initially, in this project, a broad screening of literature review and potential suitable materials will be conducted. In a second step, prototypes will be produced containing ferrous iron. Different geometries and swelling proprieties will be characterized in vitro for their release behaviour. For this semester project / internship we are looking for an independent and enterprising student with background in food science, biomedical engineering, pharmacy, chemistry or chemical engineering, material science, or similar background. Previous experience in biomaterial design, chemistry are of advantage. No previous knowledge in 3D printing and drug release is required. Part of this project will be performed in collaboration with an external partner.
The aim of this project is to manufacture capsules containing ferrous iron as oral iron supplements using advanced manufacturing methods. The release properties of the produced capsules will be evaluated using in vitro methods that mimic the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
The aim of this project is to manufacture capsules containing ferrous iron as oral iron supplements using advanced manufacturing methods. The release properties of the produced capsules will be evaluated using in vitro methods that mimic the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
Elia Guzzi: guzzie@ethz.ch
Diego Moretti: diego.moretti@ffhs.ch
Elia Guzzi: guzzie@ethz.ch Diego Moretti: diego.moretti@ffhs.ch