title: Rapid interferometric imaging of printed drug laden multilayer structures.
abstract: The developments in printing technologies allow fabrication of micron-size nano-layered delivery systems to personal specifications. In this study we fabricated layered polymer structures for drug-delivery into a microfluidic channel and aimed to interferometrically assure their topography and adherence to each other. We present a scanning white light interferometer (SWLI) method for quantitative assurance of the topography of the embedded structure. We determined rapidly in non-destructive manner the thickness and roughness of the structures and whether the printed layers containing polymers or/and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) adhere to each other. This is crucial in order to have predetermined drug release profiles. We also demonstrate non-invasive measurement of a polymer structure in a microfluidic channel. It shown that traceable interferometric 3D microscopy is a viable technique for detailed structural quality assurance of layered drug-delivery systems. The approach can have impact and find use in a much broader setting within and outside life sciences.
authors: Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Abo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
authors: Niklas
authors: N
authors: Sandler
authors: Electronics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Division of Materials Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
authors: Ivan
authors: I
authors: Kassamakov
authors: Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Abo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
authors: Henrik
authors: H
authors: Ehlers
authors: Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Abo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
authors: Natalja
authors: N
authors: Genina
authors: Electronics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Division of Materials Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
authors: Tuomo
authors: T
authors: Ylitalo
authors: Electronics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Division of Materials Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Haeggstrom
mesh_terms: D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007368:Interferometry / Q000379:methods; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D008857:Microscopy, Interference; D049329:Nanostructures; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D057285:Precision Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D011327:Printing; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011108:Polymers