Development of a 3D Printed Coating Shell to Control the Drug Release of Encapsulated Immediate-Release Tablets.

Mohammed S Algahtani,Javed Ahmad,Ehab Saleh,Abdul Aleem Mohammed

doi:10.3390/polym12061395

Mohammed S Algahtani, Javed Ahmad + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12061395

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Journal: Polymers	Publication Date: Jun 22, 2020
Citations: 32	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Najran University, University of Leeds

Abstract

The use of 3D printing techniques to control drug release has flourished in the past decade, although there is no generic solution that can be applied to the full range of drugs or solid dosage forms. The present study provides a new concept, using the 3D printing technique to print a coating system in the form of shells with various designs to control/modify drug release in immediate-release tablets. A coating system of cellulose acetate in the form of an encapsulating shell was printed through extrusion-based 3D printing technology, where an immediate-release propranolol HCl tablet was placed inside to achieve a sustained drug release profile. The current work investigated the influence of shell composition by using different excipients and also by exploring the impact of shell size on the drug release from the encapsulated tablet. Three-dimensional printed shells with different ratios of rate-controlling polymer (cellulose acetate) and pore-forming agent (D-mannitol) showed the ability to control the amount and the rate of propranolol HCl release from the encapsulated tablet model. The shell-print approach also showed that space/gap available for drug dissolution between the shell wall and the enclosed tablet significantly influenced the release of propranolol HCl. The modified release profile of propranolol HCl achieved through enclosing the tablet in a 3D printed controlled-release shell followed Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics with non-Fickian diffusion. This approach could be utilized to tailor the release profile of a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class I drug tablet (characterized by high solubility and high permeability) to improve patient compliance and promote personalized medicine.

Highlights

The concept of a one-size-fits-all dosage form is challenging and difficult to achieve due to the high individual variability related to genetics, ethnicity, gender, age, and patient weight [1]
The fused deposition modeling (FDM) method requires the use of thermoplastic materials extruded at high temperatures
The current investigation involved the use of a pressure-assisted microsyringe (PAM) that requires materials to be extruded at room temperature in a semi-solid state, which dry after extrusion from the printer

Summary

Introduction

The concept of a one-size-fits-all dosage form is challenging and difficult to achieve due to the high individual variability related to genetics, ethnicity, gender, age, and patient weight [1]. Polymers 2020, 12, 1395 fully customizable release profiles [6], and dosage forms to deliver tailored individualized precision dosing of anti-coagulant [7]. This technology can be used to fabricate pharmaceutical formulations in different sizes and shapes using a variety of materials with customized drug concentrations and release profiles that cannot be produced using conventional mass production methods in the pharmaceutical industry [8]. Dumpa et al developed a gastro-retentive floating pulsatile drug delivery system where the investigator enclosed a theophylline tablet prepared by direct compression into a floating shell, exploiting the 3D printing technique (hot-melt extrusion-paired fused-deposition modeling) for the treatment of chronic asthma [18]

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