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Extrusion-Based 3D Printing of Pharmaceuticals-Evaluating Polymer (Sodium Alginate, HPC, HPMC)-Based Ink's
Farzana Khan Rony1,2, Georgia Kimbell2, Toby R Serrano2
1Department of Applied Science and Technology, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.
Micromachines
|March 6, 2025
Summary
Successful 3D printing of pharmaceutical dosage forms requires specific ink rheology. This study found that inks with optimal viscoelastic solid properties, like 0.8% sodium alginate, ensure successful pressure-assisted microsyringe printing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical technology
- Materials science
- Rheology
Background:
- Three-dimensional printing (3D printing) offers personalized medicine potential in pharmaceuticals.
- Pressure-assisted microsyringe (PAM) printing is cost-effective but limited by ink formulation challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the printability of various polymer-based inks for PAM 3D printing.
- To determine the critical rheological properties influencing successful pharmaceutical ink formulation.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of inks using sodium alginate (SA), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC H), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K100, K4) with Fenofibrate and excipients.
- Rheological analysis including flow, amplitude sweep, and thixotropy tests.
- PAM 3D printing of pills and thin films using a 410 μm nozzle at 10 mm/s, 50% infill, and 60 kPa.
Main Results:
- Only the 0.8% SA ink formulation achieved successful prints with desired shape fidelity.
- Rheological properties such as viscosity, shear thinning, and viscoelasticity were critical for printability.
- Printability was demonstrated to be independent of the final dosage form (pills or films).
Conclusions:
- Ink rheological properties are paramount for successful PAM 3D printing.
- Viscoelastic solid characteristics with specific rheological traits are optimal for pharmaceutical inks.
- This research provides a foundation for developing advanced polymer-based inks for pharmaceutical 3D printing.
