Oral drug delivery systems using core-shell structure additive manufacturing technologies: a proof-of-concept study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this study was to couple fused deposition modelling 3D printing with melt extrusion technology to produce core-shell-structured controlled-release tablets with dual-mechanism drug-release performance in a simulated intestinal fluid medium. Coupling abovementioned technologies for personalized drug delivery can improve access to complex dosage formulations at a reasonable cost. Compared with traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing, this should facilitate the following: (1) the ability to manipulate drug release by adjusting structures, (2) enhanced solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs and (3) on-demand production of more complex structured dosages for personalized treatment.

Methods

Acetaminophen was the model drug and the extrusion process was evaluated by a series of physicochemical characterizations. The geometries, morphologies, and in vitro drug-release performances were compared between directly compressed and 3D-printed tablets.

Key findings

Initially, 3D-printed tablets released acetaminophen more rapidly than directly compressed tablets. Drug release became constant and steady after a pre-determined time. Thus, rapid effectiveness was ensured by an initially fast acetaminophen release and an extended therapeutic effect was achieved by stabilizing drug release.

Conclusions

The favourable drug-release profiles of 3D-printed tablets demonstrated the advantage of coupling HME with 3D printing technology to produce personalized dosage formulations.

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7940344 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature