The Effect of 3-Dimensional–Printed Sequential Dual Drug–Releasing Patch on the Capsule Formation Around the Silicone Implant in a Rat Model

Abstract Background Implant-based breast reconstruction is associated with increased risk of early infection and late-stage capsular contracture. Objectives We evaluated the feasibility of a dual drug–releasing patch that enabled the controlled delivery of antibiotics and immunosuppressants in a temporally and spatially appropriate manner to the implant site. Methods The efficacy of a dual drug–releasing patch, which was 3-dimensional–printed (3D-printed) with tissue-derived biomaterial ink, was evaluated in rats with silicone implants. The groups included implant only (n = 10); implant plus bacterial inoculation (n = 14); implant, bacterial inoculation, and patch loaded with gentamycin placed on the ventral side of the implant (n = 10), and implant, bacterial inoculation, and patch loaded with gentamycin and triamcinolone acetonide (n = 9). Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses were performed 8 weeks after implantation. Results The 2 drugs were sequentially released from the dual drug–releasing patch and exhibited different release profiles. Compared to the animals with bacterial inoculation, those with the antibiotic-only and the dual drug–releasing patch exhibited thinner capsules and lower myofibroblast activity and inflammation, indicating better tissue integration and less foreign body response. These effects were more pronounced with the dual drug–releasing patch than with the antibiotic-only patch. Conclusions The 3D-printed dual drug–releasing patch effectively reduced inflammation and capsule formation in a rat model of silicone breast reconstruction. The beneficial effect of the dual drug–releasing patch was better than that of the antibiotic-only patch, indicating its therapeutic potential as a novel approach to preventing capsular contracture while reducing concerns of systemic side effects.