Combinatorial 3D printed dosage forms for a two-step and controlled drug release

• Fused deposition modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS) are two of the most employed additive manufacturing (AM) techniques within the pharmaceutical research field. Despite the numerous advantages of different AM methods, their respective drawbacks have yet to be fully addressed, and therefore combinatorial systems are starting to emerge. In the present study, hybrid systems comprising SLS inserts and a two-compartment FDM shell are developed to achieve controlled release of the model drug theophylline. Via the use of SLS a partial amorphization of the drug is demonstrated, which can be advantageous in the case of poorly soluble drugs, and it is shown that sintering parameters can regulate the dosage and release kinetics of the drug from the inserts. Furthermore, via different combinations of inserts within the FDM-printed shell, various drug release patterns, such as a two-step or prolonged release, can be achieved. The study serves as a proof of concept, highlighting the advantages of combining two AM techniques, both to overcome their respective shortcomings and to develop modular and highly tunable drug delivery devices.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Nanoteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Nano-technology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmaceutiska vetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmaceutical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Fused deposition modeling

FDM

Selective laser sintering

SLS

Controlled drug release

Hybrid system

Engineering Science with specialization in Nanotechnology and Functional Materials

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot nanoteknologi och funktionella material

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)