Coaxial 3D printing for customized orodispersible film based on an embedding system with curcumin liposome and phycocyanin

Based on customization trends, research on customized functional foods using 3D printing is being actively conducted. In this study, two functional materials with different properties, curcumin and phycocyanin, were printed simultaneously using a coaxial nozzle. Using a coaxial nozzle, curcumin encapsulated in liposomes was included in the outer core (OC) and phycocyanin in the inner core (IC). Analyzing the physicochemical characteristics of the liposome indicates that curcumin was efficiently encapsulated, and that the liposomes were stable and suitable for use. The most important factor when using coaxial nozzles is IC printability. To determine the optimal IC properties, samples at various concentrations were analyzed for rheological properties, printability, and optical microscopy, showing that an IC of 9 % was most suitable for the coaxial nozzle. Finally, stability and storage test results showed that IC was double protected by OC and matrix, showing high storage stability. In conclusion, this study confirmed not only the possibility of embedded 3D printing using coaxial nozzles, but also the high stability and storability of functional materials. These research results can be expected to be applied in the fields of personalized health functional foods and pharmaceuticals. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd