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Published on: June 27, 2014
3D Printing of Mini Tablets for Pediatric Use
Julius Krause1, Laura Müller1, Dorota Sarwinska2
1Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
3D printing offers a novel solution for pediatric drug delivery, enabling the creation of customized mini-tablets for precise dosing. This technology facilitates on-demand manufacturing of patient-specific medication, addressing critical needs in pediatric therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Additive Manufacturing
- Pediatric Drug Delivery
Background:
- Standard pediatric drug formulations often lack appropriate dosages and forms, hindering effective treatment.
- Additive manufacturing presents a promising avenue for developing specialized pediatric dosage forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of producing pediatric mini-tablets using fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based 3D printing.
- To explore the potential for patient-individualized, small-scale batch production of pediatric dosage forms.
Main Methods:
- Two model drugs, caffeine and propranolol hydrochloride, were incorporated into filaments using hyprolose and hypromellose polymers.
- Mini-tablets with diameters ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 mm were fabricated via FDM 3D printing.
- Printed mini-tablets underwent characterization using optical and thermal analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful processing of pediatric drugs into printable filaments.
- Fabrication of mini-tablets with controlled diameters.
- Demonstrated ability to modulate drug release profiles by adjusting the number and diameter of mini-tablets.
Conclusions:
- Fused deposition modeling 3D printing is a viable technology for producing pediatric dosage forms.
- This approach allows for on-demand, patient-specific manufacturing of small batches of medication.
- 3D printing holds significant potential to improve pediatric therapeutic outcomes through customized drug delivery.
