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Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Three-dimensional Printing of Thermoplastic Materials to Create Automated Syringe Pumps with Feedback Control for Microfluidic Applications
Published on: August 30, 2018
Paliperidone palmitate as model of heat-sensitive drug for long-acting 3D printing application
Giuseppe Manini1, Samira Benali2, Allen Mathew3
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus de la Plaine, CP207, Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels 1050, Belgium; Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (LPCM), Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons, Place du Parc 23, B-7000 Mons, Belgium.
Abstract:
In this work, two technologies were used to prepare long-acting implantable dosage forms in the treatment of schizophrenia. Hot-melt extrusion (HME) as well as fused deposition modelling (FDM) were used concomitantly to create personalized 3D printed implants. Different formulations were prepared using an amorphous PLA as matrix polymer and different solid-state plasticizers. Paliperidone palmitate (PP), a heat sensitive drug prescribed in the treatment of schizophrenia was chosen as model drug. After extrusion, different formulations were characterized using DSC and XRD. Then, an in vitro dissolution test was carried out to discriminate the formulation allowing a sustained drug release of PP. The formulation showing a sustained drug release of the drug was 3D printed as an implantable dosage form. By modulating the infill, the release profile was related to the proper design of tailored dosage form and not solely to the solubility of the drug. Indeed, different release profiles were achieved over 90 days using only one formulation. In addition, a stability test was performed on the 3D printed implants for 3 months. The results showed the stability of the amorphous state of PP, independently of the temperature as well as the integrity of the matrix and the drug.

