3D Printed Tablets (Printlets) with Braille and Moon Patterns for Visually Impaired Patients

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical technology
• Assistive technology for visual impairment

Background:

• Visual impairment affects 285 million globally, posing a significant public health challenge.
• Medication errors and poor adherence are common issues for visually impaired individuals due to difficulties in identifying medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate three-dimensional (3D) printed orally disintegrating printlets (ODPs) with tactile patterns for visually impaired patients.
• To assess the feasibility of using Braille and Moon patterns on ODPs for medication identification and self-administration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of ODPs using 3D printing technology.
• Incorporation of Braille and Moon tactile patterns onto the surface of the printlets.
• Evaluation of printlet mechanical properties, dissolution profiles, and readability by visually impaired individuals.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated 3D printed ODPs with Braille and Moon patterns.
• Printlets maintained original mechanical and dissolution properties, disintegrating within approximately 5 seconds.
• Readability of the tactile patterns was confirmed by a visually impaired participant.
• Different printlet shapes were used to convey additional information like indication or dosage.

Conclusions:

• 3D printed ODPs with tactile patterns offer a novel solution for medication management in visually impaired populations.
• This approach enhances medication identification, potentially reducing errors and improving adherence.
• The water-free disintegration facilitates self-administration, increasing patient independence.