Developing implantable drug delivery devices for the sustained management of schizophrenia and postoperative pain

To address these issues, this thesis aims to develop novel, long-acting implantable drug delivery systems (IDDSs) utilizing biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to effectively deliver the antipsychotic risperidone (RIS) and the local anaesthetic bupivacaine (BUP).<br><br>Supported by validated HPLC-UV quantification, the research employed two distinct fabrication strategies.

First, a minimally invasive in-situ forming implant (ISFI) system combined with 3D-printed hollow microneedles was developed for RIS. Second, a solvent-free Vacuum Compression Molding (VCM) technique was utilized to fabricate solid implants. All formulations underwent extensive physicochemical characterization to evaluate drug stability and matrix integrity.<br><br>Optimization of the RIS ISFI yielded minimal burst release and an ideal cumulative profile, with microneedles demonstrating reliable skin penetration.