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3D Printing and Dissolution Testing of Novel Capsule Shells for Use in Delivering Acetaminophen
Shantanu G Gaurkhede1, Ositomiwa O Osipitan2, Gary Dromgoole3
1Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, The Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Pkwy. E., Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|September 1, 2021
Summary
Novel 3D printed capsules made from poly(vinyl) alcohol and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose offer a non-animal alternative to gelatin. These innovative capsules provide slower drug release, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects for personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Individualized drug delivery requires patient-specific dosages, challenging current pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Traditional gelatin capsules have limitations, including rapid drug release and dietary restrictions.
- 3D printing offers a promising approach for creating personalized dosage forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel, non-animal-based 3D printed capsule shells for controlled drug delivery.
- To investigate the effect of polymer composition on drug release kinetics.
- To compare the performance of 3D printed capsules with conventional gelatin capsules.
Main Methods:
- Capsule shells were fabricated using 3D printing with poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) and blends containing 5-25% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).
- Acetaminophen dissolution was assessed using a USP dissolution apparatus 2 (paddle type) at gastric pH.
- The drug release profiles of the 3D printed capsules were compared against each other and against commercially available gelatin capsules.
Main Results:
- 3D printed capsules demonstrated slower acetaminophen release compared to gelatin capsules.
- Increasing the HPMC content in the PVA blends further delayed drug release and dissolution.
- The developed capsule shells are a viable non-animal alternative to gelatin capsules.
Conclusions:
- 3D printed capsules with tailored polymer blends can achieve controlled drug release, offering potential for improved drug efficacy and safety.
- These novel capsules represent a significant advancement for personalized medicine and compounding pharmacies.
- The non-animal-based nature of these shells addresses dietary restrictions and ethical considerations.
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