3D Printing of Oral Thin Film

3D printing has emerged as a high technology for manufacturing oral thin-film drugs that can be constructed layer-by-layer by computer-aided digital design. 3D printing technology has shown promising applications in the development of oral thin films (OTFs), which can be effectively used to develop new and complex drug delivery systems, for example, using this technology we can use it to produce fast dissolving buccal films containing multilayered active ingredients, which can be personalized to the patient's needs.

CD Formulation has many years of research and service experience in the development of oral thin films. We offer 3D printing of oral thin films that provide a more homogeneous distribution of amorphous drugs than films prepared by other methods. We also used a series of mathematical models to describe the drug release mechanism of the developed OTFs, which were used to provide 3D printing films with improved drug release properties.

Our Process for 3D Printing Oral Thin Films

3D Printed Films

Printed Films 3D printable filaments are prepared using a specific device, and during the 3D printing process, the 3D builder software is used to design the film in the shape of a rectangle with specific lengths for length, width, and height. The 3D model is sliced using specific software, and we can choose the wire fill pattern and the corresponding fill density. The film was sliced vertically into 3 layers, each with a thickness of 0.1 mm and a 0.4 mm nozzle was used to build the film, the print temperature was set to 170 °C and the print speed was 50 mm/s. The film was then printed with a 0.4 mm nozzle. Finally, the 3D printed films were collected and stored at ambient temperature.

Film Morphology Evaluation

Melt-cast, melt-extruded, and 3D-printed films were cut into pieces of a certain size, and the thickness and dimensions of the films were determined using digital calipers. The weights of the extruded and printed filaments were measured using an analytical balance. In addition, the samples were imaged using an optical microscope.

Texture analysis of films

Film rupture strength and Young's modulus were obtained using an analyzer. The film was cut into strips of a certain size and mounted with a preload, without the spacer, and tested using a cylindrical probe to pierce the film at a specific probe travel speed, with a stopping target of 5 mm after contact with the film. collection and analysis of the data followed.

Solid States Analysis

TGA was conducted to assess the thermal behavior of the formulations and select a suitable processing temperature range before actual 3D printing.

Raman Spectroscopy and Raman Mapping

A Raman spectrometer was used to obtain the Raman spectra and Raman images.

Disintegration Studies and In Vitro Drug Release Study of the Films in Simulated Saliva

The disintegration of the released drug was studied by placing the sample in a beaker of simulated saliva under magnetic stirring.

In Vitro Drug Release Study

Drug release from the films was determined using a dissolution apparatus.

Figure 1. The printing process parameters and the film 3D design. (Zhang J, et al., 2021)

Applications for 3D Printing of Oral Thin Film

We can create bespoke dose forms with exact specifications when we use 3D printing to produce oral films, which elevates this drug delivery method to new heights. We contribute significantly to the field of drug delivery science with our study on the 3D printing of oral films. We have the ability to provide customized dosage forms that take into account factors such as release profiles and combination therapy in addition to dose strength. Furthermore, kid-friendly oral films are produced by our 3D printing technology, which removes the challenges posed by conventional dose forms and guarantees pediatric population compliance.

Highlights of Our Oral Thin Film 3D Printing Services

• Advanced technology platforms. We have an advanced technology platform that maximizes the researcher's project needs.
• Expertise. We have a team of specialized biologists and ensure that all aspects of the 3D printing service we offer meet the highest scientific standards.
• Customized solutions. We are committed to providing tailor-made solutions to maximize patient medication needs.

CD Formulation is an industry leader in the development of novel drug delivery systems, and our integration of 3D printing into the production of oral thin films has significantly advanced the field of drug delivery. If you are interested in us, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Zhang J, et al. Development and Evaluation of Amorphous Oral Thin Films Using Solvent-Free Processes: Comparison between 3D Printing and Hot-Melt Extrusion Technologies. Pharmaceutics. 2021, 13(10):1613.