Development of 3D printed molds for manufacturing of biopierces

Approximately 20% of all piercings lead to local infection. Presently, compresses and topical antibiotic therapy are used to treat the infection. Although these approaches are effective, they fail to provide a prolonged solution. Our group has recently developed a scaffold (or biopierce) that will cover the piercing stud and absorb into the punctured tissue releasing an antiseptic agent to prevent infection around the piercing site. In this study, to scale up the manufacturing process, a molding procedure was developed to fabricate the biopierces. A wide range of concentrations of the matrix (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) were tested to achieve the best molding properties. Iterations of the mold were 3D printed to optimize exit airflow and the injection process. Novel female and male connectors were designed to help alignment of the mold and provide a leakproof seal. Upon solidification, the stud is carefully removed from the mold and the biopierce is lifted-off the mold. A film release coating was applied to the mold before injection to enhance the lift-off process. Future work will involve characterizing the release of antiseptic drugs from the manufactured biopierces. The advancement of this technology allows for implementation in a variety of biomedical applications.