Taste Masking Study Based on an Electronic Tongue: the Formulation Design of 3D Printed Levetiracetam Instant-Dissolving Tablets

Zengming Wang,Boshi Liu,Xiaolu Han,Xiaoxuan Hong,Xianfu Li,Aiping Zheng,Nan Liu,Xiang Gao,Hui Zhang,Jingru Li,Jing Gao

doi:10.1007/s11095-021-03041-9

Zengming Wang, Boshi Liu + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-021-03041-9

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Journal: Pharmaceutical research	Publication Date: May 1, 2021
Citations: 30	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Xuzhou Medical College

Abstract

PurposeProper taste-masking formulation design is a critical issue for instant-dissolving tablets (IDTs). The purpose of this study is to use the electronic tongue to design the additives of the 3D printed IDTs to improve palatability.MethodsA binder jet 3D printer was used to prepare IDTs of levetiracetam. A texture analyzer and dissolution apparatus were used to predict the oral dispersion time and in vitro drug release of IDTs, respectively. The palatability of different formulations was investigated using the ASTREE electronic tongue in combination with the design of experiment and a model for masking bitter taste. Human gustatory sensation tests were conducted to further evaluate the credibility of the results.ResultsThe 3D printed tablets exhibited rapid dispersion (<30 s) and drug release (2.5 min > 90%). The electronic tongue had an excellent ability of taste discrimination, and levetiracetam had a good linear sensing performance based on a partial least square regression analysis. The principal component analysis was used to analyze the signal intensities of different formulations and showed that 2% sucralose and 0.5% spearmint flavoring masked the bitterness well and resembled the taste of corresponding placebo. The results of human gustatory sensation test were consistent with the trend of the electronic tongue evaluation.ConclusionsOwing to its objectivity and reproducibility, this technique is suitable for the design and evaluation of palatability in 3D printed IDT development.

Highlights

Pharm Res (2021) 38:831–842 and the printing processes will keep repeating to produce the desired 3D product [5, 22]
Owing to its objectivity and reproducibility, this technique is suitable for the design and evaluation of palatability in 3D printed instant-dissolving tablets (IDTs) development
Through the layer-by-layer bonding of printing ink and powder, the technology allows for the preparation of instant-dissolving tablets (IDTs) with a highly porous internal structure that can be rapidly dispersed in water, solving the problem of dysphagia in patients

Summary

Introduction

Pharm Res (2021) 38:831–842 and the printing processes will keep repeating to produce the desired 3D product [5, 22]. Through the layer-by-layer bonding of printing ink and powder, the technology allows for the preparation of instant-dissolving tablets (IDTs) with a highly porous internal structure that can be rapidly dispersed in water, solving the problem of dysphagia in patients. One of the most important issues with oral IDTs is their palatability in the oral cavity. 3D printed IDTs can be dissolved in water or taken directly with small sip of water. Regardless of the method of oral administration, the drug is released quickly and in full contact with the tongue, resulting in a more bitter taste compared to traditional tablets. IDTs must be scrutinized more closely for palatability, and unpleasant taste should be detected and masked in final preparations, for example, by adding sweeteners and/or flavoring agents [17]

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