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Programming of Multicomponent Temporal Release Profiles in 3D Printed Polypills via Core-Shell, Multilayer, and
Alexander P Haring1, Yuxin Tong2, Justin Halper2
1Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|June 12, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D printed polypill for type 2 diabetes, demonstrating programmable drug release profiles. This additive manufacturing approach offers tailored pharmaceutical technology for controlled drug delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Additive manufacturing (AM) offers potential for novel pharmaceutical technologies, but understanding processing effects on drug performance is crucial.
- Controlled release systems are vital for effective drug delivery, requiring precise control over drug release kinetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between programmed concentration profiles and temporal release profiles in 3D printed polypill systems.
- To explore the potential of AM for creating customized, controlled-release pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a dual-extrusion hydrogel microextrusion process to create polypills with core-shell, multilayer, and gradient structures.
- Employed experimental and computational studies to analyze diffusive mass transfer during 3D printing and solidification.
- Conducted spectrophotometric assays to measure drug release over a 5-hour period.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that programmed concentration profiles dynamically change during the 3D printing and solidification of polypills.
- Showcased the ability to achieve delayed, pulsed, or constant drug release profiles by varying the internal structure (core-shell, multilayer, gradient).
Conclusions:
- The study provides critical insights into mass transfer processes influencing the design and performance of spatially graded controlled release systems.
- Highlights the potential of AM to develop disease-specific polypill technology with programmable temporal release profiles for improved patient outcomes.
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