Scalable microfabrication of drug-loaded core–shell tablets from a single erodible polymer with adjustable release profiles

Abstract

Oral tablets with tunable release profiles have emerged to enhance the effectiveness of therapies in different clinical conditions. Although the concept of tablets with adjustable release profiles has been studied before, the lack of a fast and scalable production technique has limited their widespread application. In this study, a scalable fabrication method was developed to manufacture controlled-release polyanhydride tablets. A new polymeric core–shell tablet design is also proposed, that in conjunction with a micro-fabrication procedure, allows for achieving tunable release profiles required in personalized medicine in small-size tablets. Utilizing a surface-erodible polymeric carrier in the fabrication of the new tablet design resulted in achieving adjustable release profiles and improvements in the drug-loading capacity of the delivery system which allows for delivering a flexible amount of therapeutics with desirable patterns to patients. The proposed fabrication techniques allow for scalable production of personalized tablets with the high resolution required in precision medicine and hence have a high potential for clinical translation.