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Updated: Feb 16, 2026
06:36
3D Printed Porous Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel Scaffolds
Published on: April 24, 2019
10.2K
3D printed tablets with internal scaffold structure using ethyl cellulose to achieve sustained ibuprofen release
Yan Yang1, Huihui Wang1, Haichao Li1
1School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.
Summary
3D printing enables customized drug delivery. This study successfully prepared 3D printed tablets with ibuprofen using fused deposition modeling, achieving controlled 24-hour drug release via a diffusion-erosion mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Traditional drug delivery systems often face challenges in achieving precise and sustained drug release profiles.
- 3D printing offers a novel approach for fabricating complex pharmaceutical dosage forms with tailored internal structures.
- Controlling drug release kinetics is crucial for optimizing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and evaluate 3D printed tablets with predesigned internal scaffolds for sustained drug release.
- To investigate the influence of formulation and printing parameters on tablet printability and drug release behavior.
- To demonstrate the potential of 3D printing for creating customized medications.
Main Methods:
- Filament preparation via hot melt extrusion using a model drug (ibuprofen) and ethyl cellulose.
- Tablet fabrication using fused deposition modeling (3D printing).
- Optimization of drug release by adjusting drug content, release modifiers, and printing parameters (fill pattern, density, shell thickness).
Main Results:
- Printability and drug release were significantly influenced by formulation composition and printing parameters.
- Optimized 3D printed tablets achieved complete drug release within 24 hours.
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a diffusion-erosion mechanism for drug release from the printed tablets.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing is a highly adjustable and digitally controllable technology for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- This technology allows for the precise design of internal tablet structures to achieve desired drug release profiles.
- 3D printed tablets show significant promise for the development of personalized and release-tailored medications.
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