Research on the preparation of antimicrobial material based on thermoplastic polyurethane and drug release control

It's crucial of antimicrobial properties in materials is growing as people desire to live healthier. The purpose of this work was to use thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a matrix to produce an antimicrobial material with a tunable drug release rate. Filaments with a diameter of 1.75 ± 0.08 mm were prepared by hot-melt processing technology utilizing TPU, the modifier polyethylene oxide (PEO) and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride monohydrate (CPFX) as raw materials. The corresponding models were then printed using fused deposition type (FDM) 3D printing for performance testing. Results demonstrate the uniform fiber morphology and strong mechanical properties of the four samples, each of which was composed of a different ratio of components. The addition of PEO caused a change to the drug release mechanism, increased the material hydrophilicity, and generated extra pores during the dissolution process. This composite exhibited sustained antimicrobial activity even after 21 days of rotary immersion, as shown by in vitro dissolution and zone inhibition tests.