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Development of modified release 3D printed tablets (printlets) with pharmaceutical excipients using additive
Alvaro Goyanes1, Fabrizio Fina2, Annalisa Martorana2
1FabRx Ltd., 3 Romney Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0RW, UK.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|May 16, 2017
Summary
Fused deposition modeling 3D printing successfully created enteric-coated paracetamol tablets (printlets) using hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS). Drug release profiles were tailored by adjusting polymer grade, drug load, and internal structure for personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Enteric polymers are crucial for controlled drug release.
- 3D printing offers potential for personalized medicine delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To manufacture 3D printed tablets (printlets) with enteric properties using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing.
- To investigate the impact of polymer grade, drug loading, and internal structure on drug release.
Main Methods:
- Hot melt extrusion to create paracetamol-loaded HPMCAS filaments (grades LG, MG, HG).
- Single filament FDM 3D printing to produce printlets with varying drug loading (5-50%) and infill densities (20%, 100%).
- X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) for structural analysis and in vitro dissolution testing in biorelevant media.
Main Results:
- Printlets manufactured successfully with up to 50% drug loading.
- Internal structure (infill) and polymer grade influenced printlet density and drug release.
- All HPMCAS printlets exhibited delayed release, with faster release from lower pH-threshold polymers (HPMCAS LG > MG > HG).
Conclusions:
- FDM 3D printing enables the creation of enteric printlets without external coatings.
- Drug release can be precisely controlled by modifying formulation parameters, paving the way for personalized medicines.
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