Novel 3D printed capsule to work as an auxiliary for enteric-coating for gastroprotective drug delivery system.

Abstract

In the current research work, 3d printed capsules were printed by using FDM based 3D printer. A model drug punched into matrix tablets was put inside and encapsulated in the capsule. It was compared with the highly advanced ready-to-fill enteric-coated capsule Eudracap™ capsule. Solid Works and slicing software were used to design and cast off the shape of the capsule shell. The design of the cap and body was made and capsules were printed accordingly. All were evaluated for acid uptake and disintegration tests. In an acidic medium at pH 1.2, it has not been disintegrated or opened. While in the intestinal pH at 6.8 body and cap got separated after 45 ± 05 min. All sizes of capsules were also assessed for dosage form they can uphold. This could be a good option for customized drug delivery for human and animal studies.

Keywords

• 3D printing
• Customized capsule shell, FDM (fused deposition modeling)
• Enteric-coating