A novel fast disintegrating tablet fabricated by three-dimensional printing

Abstract

Background: Based on computer-aided models, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology can exercise local control over the material composition, microstructure, and surface texture during it layer-by-layer manufacturing process to endow the products with special properties. It can be a useful tool in the development of novel solid dosage forms. Method: In this study, a novel fast disintegrating tablet (FDT) with loose powders in it was designed and fabricated using 3DP process. The inner powder regions were formed automatically by depositing the binder solutions onto selected regions during the layer-printing processes. Results: Environmental scanning electron microscope images clearly showed that the printed regions were bound together. The particle size was reduced or individual particles could no longer be distinguished. In contrast, the unprinted regions were uncompacted with cracks and fissures among the loose powders. The tablets had a hardness value of 54.5 N/cm² and 0.92% mass loss during the friability tests. The disintegration time of the tablets was 21.8 seconds and the wetting time was 51.7 seconds. The in vitro dissolution tests showed that 97.7% acetaminophen was released in the initial 2 min. Conclusion: 3DP process is able to offer novel methods for preparing FDTs.

Keywords:

• Binding mechanisms
• fast disintegrating tablet
• inner structure characteristics
• mechanical performance
• three-dimensional printing

Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by UK-CHINA Joint Laboratory for Therapeutic Textiles, Grant 08JC1400600 from Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (NO. 20080440565).

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.