Fabrication of Muco-Adhesive Oral Films by the 3D Printing of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Based Catechin-Loaded Formulations

Pharmaceutical applications of three dimensional (3D) printing technology are increasing following the approval of 3D-printed tablets by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Semi-solid extrusion-type 3D printers are used to 3D print hydrogel- and paste-based materials. We previously developed tablet formulations for semi-solid extrusion-type 3D bioprinters. In the present study, we extended our study to the preparation of muco-adhesive oral film formulations to 3D bioprint mouth ulcer pharmaceuticals. We focused on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based catechin (model drug)-loaded hydrogel formulations and found that the viscosity of a hydrogel formulation is dependent on the HPMC concentration, and that viscosity is important for facile 3D printing. HPMC-based films were prepared using two different drying methods (air drying and freeze drying).

The films exhibited different drug dissolution profiles, and increasing the amount of HPMC in the film delayed drug dissolution. The fabrication of HPMC-based catechin-loaded films with different shapes provides a model of individualized, on-demand pharmaceuticals. Our results support the flexible application of 3D bioprinters (semi-solid extrusion-type 3D printers) for preparing film formulations.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we focused on identifying appropriate printing conditions for drug formulations of HPMC-based hydrogels by varying the polymer concentration, and hence the viscosity, of prepared AD and FD films. FD films appear to be advantageous for preparing films because all FD films were easy to handle, of the appropriate thickness, and had good visual characteristics. The present study provides useful information on a model pharmaceutical for personalized therapy generated using a semi-solid extrusion-type 3D printer. Download the full publication here: fabrication-of-muco-adhesive-oral-films-by-the-3d-printing-of-hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose-based-catechin-loaded-formulations.pdf