Fused Deposition Modelling 3D Printed Immediate Release Tablets – Understanding the Impact of Printer Parameters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare tablets that offer an immediate release (IR) of the loaded active ingredient using fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was used as a model drug, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the primary polymeric carrier and sorbitol as a plasticizer. The impact of printer parameters, including infill density, roof and floor (R&F) thickness and nozzle size, on the drug release properties of printed tablets was investigated. The results support the use of FDM-3DP as an approach to manufacture IR tablets and highlighted the importance of the printing design on drug release properties.

Keywords

• 3d printed tablets
• hot melt extrusion
• fused deposition modelling
• hydrochlorothiazide