Polymers in pharmaceutical additive manufacturing: A balancing act between printability and product performance
Rydvikha Govender1, Eric Ofosu Kissi2, Anette Larsson1
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|August 14, 2021
Summary
This review explores polymeric materials for 3D printing oral dosage forms, focusing on how polymer properties impact printability and product performance in additive manufacturing (AM). It suggests utilizing existing polymers and advanced characterization for better pharmaceutical 3D printing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
Background:
- Pharmaceutical product performance relies on materials and manufacturing processes.
- Additive manufacturing (AM) offers novel approaches for creating oral dosage forms.
- Polymeric materials are central to AM processes for pharmaceuticals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of polymeric materials in the additive manufacturing of oral dosage forms.
- To analyze the interface between polymers and AM processes influencing printability.
- To suggest strategies for utilizing pharmaceutical polymers in AM.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and comparison of polymer functional roles and properties across various AM technologies.
- Evaluation of current and emerging characterization techniques for polymer properties relevant to AM.
- Analysis of trade-offs between printer compatibility and product performance.
Main Results:
- Polymer properties critically determine printability in pharmaceutical AM.
- Various AM technologies require specific polymer characteristics.
- Emerging characterization techniques and digital tools can optimize polymer selection and use.
- Underutilized pharmaceutical polymers show potential for AM applications.
Conclusions:
- Understanding polymer-AM interfaces is key to successful pharmaceutical 3D printing.
- Advanced characterization and digital tools can manage polymer-related challenges in AM.
- Continued development of 3D printers for diverse polymers will expand pharmaceutical AM applications.
- Leveraging existing pharmaceutical polymers can accelerate AM adoption.
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