3D-Printed cannabidiol stent for local treatment of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent among women and those assigned female at birth, and frequently necessitate the administration of systemic antibiotics, which contributes to the antibiotic resistance crisis due to overuse and suboptimal patient adherence. This study introduces an innovative 3D-printed stent designed specifically for the localized treatment of UTIs, aiming at reducing systemic drug exposure and lowering recurrence rates. Tailored for the female urethra, the stent consists of a laponite-alginate hydrogel scaffold integrated with cannabidiol (CBD)-loaded PLGA microparticles to facilitate controlled drug release. A Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was utilized to optimize printing parameters, ensuring structural integrity and printability. CBD, known for its analgesic and antimicrobial properties, was added as therapeutic agent. The composite system exhibited prolonged antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This localized strategy has the potential to enhance therapeutic effects while reducing the need for systemic administration, which may, in turn, help limit associated side effects and improve patient adherence. The integration of 3D printing technology and controlled drug release signifies a substantial advancement towards more effective and personalized interventions for UTI management.