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Processability evaluation of multiparticulate units prepared by selective laser sintering using the SeDeM Expert
Ivana Vasiljević1, Erna Turković1, Michael Piller2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
Researchers explored 3D printing for multiparticulate units (MPUs), finding polymer choice critical for processability. The SeDeM Expert System effectively evaluated MPU suitability for capsules, sachets, and potentially tablets.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- 3D printing is gaining traction for pharmaceutical dosage forms, but its application to multiparticulate units (MPUs) remains underexplored.
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) offers potential for fabricating customized MPUs, yet requires careful selection of polymers and process parameters.
- The SeDeM Expert System provides a framework for evaluating powder and particulate material properties relevant to pharmaceutical processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate MPUs of varying sizes using SLS with different polymers.
- To assess the processability of these MPUs using the SeDeM Expert System approach.
- To determine the influence of polymer selection on MPU characteristics and suitability for different dosage forms.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 1- and 2-mm MPUs via SLS using model drugs (ibuprofen, caffeine) and polymers (poly(ethylene)oxide, ethyl cellulose, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer).
- Comprehensive characterization of fabricated MPUs, including shape, density, flowability, and stability.
- Evaluation of experimentally obtained parameters using the SeDeM Expert System framework to assess processability.
Main Results:
- MPUs exhibited irregular shapes despite spherical design; polymer type significantly impacted properties.
- MPUs demonstrated low bulk density but good flowability and stability, suitable for capsules or sachets.
- Ethyl cellulose and methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer-based MPUs showed high tensile strength, indicating suitability for tablet compression.
- Low density suggested the need for compressibility enhancers when incorporating MPUs into tablets.
Conclusions:
- The SeDeM Expert System can be adapted beyond powder compressibility to evaluate the processing of multiparticulate units.
- SLS is a viable technique for MPU fabrication, with polymer selection being key to achieving desired properties.
- The study provides insights into tailoring MPUs for specific dosage forms (capsules, sachets, tablets) through careful material and process design.
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