Applications of excipients in the field of 3D printed pharmaceuticals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of varying excipient content on the formation and physical properties of 3 D printed tablets. Fifteen different excipient preparations were formed into tablets with radii of 5 mm and thickness of 2 mm, using binder jetting (BJ). The tablets were analyzed by assessing visual and microstructural appearance, friability, hardness, and disintegration time. We found that filling agents with high water solubility (e.g. D-sucrose), binding agents with a high viscosity in solution (e.g. polyethylene glycol 4000) and moistening agent with higher water content can increase the bonding strength and hardness of the 3 D printed tablets and prolonged their disintegration time. This work has demonstrated that the type of excipient and its concentration affects the properties of the 3 D printed tablet. This article may be used as a guide for elucidation of the effects of using conventional tablet excipients in the field of 3 D printed pharmaceuticals. The present work should enable the identification of excipients that satisfy requirements, reduce analysis time, and improve efficiency.