Chitosan‐based spray‐dried solid dispersions of apigenin in a <scp>3D</scp> printable drug delivery system

Abstract This study aims to develop chitosan‐based apigenin (AGN) spray‐dried solid dispersions (SDSDs) within a 3D pill. AGN SDSDs were prepared using 1:1 (AC1), 1:1.5 (AC2), and 1:2 (AC1) apigenin/chitosan weight ratios. The results of the process yield were found to be (87.5%, 94.2%, and 95.86%) and of drug assay were obtained as (95.2 ± 1.34%), (99.5 ± 0.85%) and (97.6 ± 2.42%) for AC1, AC2 and AC3, respectively. FTIR revealed compatibility between chitosan and apigenin. DSC and XRD revealed an amorphous state of developed solid dispersions. In contrast, SEM images reflected irregular‐block and near‐spherical‐shape elongated particles in the selected AC2. The antimicrobial examination reflected that AC2 was more effective against Gram‐positive, −negative, and fungal strains. AC2 SDSDs had more antioxidant property compared to pure AGN. The anti‐proliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cell lines showed a better anticancer activity by AC2 SDSDs. Selected AC2 SDSD was filled in a 3D shell pill and was further characterized in terms of stability. The product had a sustained release and similar release profiles after 3 months of storage. The findings suggest that AC2 SDSDs could be a promising candidate for further development as a 3D‐printed drug delivery system for treating multiple disease conditions.