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Published on: February 18, 2022
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Modifying release characteristics from 3D printed drug-eluting products
Johan Boetker1, Jorrit Jeroen Water1, Johanna Aho1
1Section for Pharmaceutical Technology and Engineering, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Summary
This study demonstrates 3D printing of drug-loaded materials for precise medication delivery. Formulations with nitrofurantoin and varying Metolose® content were successfully printed, showing tunable drug release profiles for flexible dosing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- 3D printing offers potential for personalized medicine and flexible dosing.
- Developing novel drug-loaded feed materials is crucial for advanced 3D printed dosage forms.
- Controlling drug release from 3D printed products requires tailored material formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize polylactic acid and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose based feed materials for 3D printing.
- To investigate the influence of formulation composition on the printability and drug stability.
- To evaluate the drug release characteristics of 3D printed nitrofurantoin dosage forms.
Main Methods:
- Co-extrusion of polylactic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Metolose®), and nitrofurantoin.
- 3D printing of model disk geometries.
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal analysis.
- Raman spectroscopy for solid phase identification.
- Rheological measurements to assess flow properties.
- In vitro drug release studies.
Main Results:
- Successful co-extrusion and 3D printing of nitrofurantoin-loaded formulations up to 40% Metolose® content.
- Nitrofurantoin remained in its original solid form post-processing, confirmed by DSC and Raman spectroscopy.
- Rheological properties were influenced by undissolved particle content.
- Drug release was dependent on Metolose® loading, with higher Metolose® content leading to increased release.
Conclusions:
- Custom-made, drug-loaded feed materials can be produced for 3D printing applications.
- 3D printing enables the creation of precision drug products with adjustable drug release.
- This approach holds promise for flexible dosing and personalized medication.
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