Processability evaluation of multiparticulate units prepared by selective laser sintering using the SeDeM Expert System approach

• Published in: International journal of pharmaceutics 2022-12, Vol.629, p.122337-122337, Article 122337
• Main Authors: Vasiljević, Ivana, Turković, Erna, Piller, Michael, Mirković, Miljana, Zimmer, Andreas, Aleksić, Ivana, Ibrić, Svetlana, Parojčić, Jelena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D printing; compression; ethyl cellulose; flowability; methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1); poly(ethylene)oxide
• ISSN: 0378-5173; 1873-3476
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122337

[Display omitted] •Multiparticulate units were successfully fabricated by selective laser sintering.•SeDeM Expert System was applied in multiparticulate units processability evaluation.•Samples exhibited high flowability, which is suitable for filling into capsules/sachets.•MA-EA and EC compacts exhibited high tensile strength, favorable for compression. 3D printing in dosage forms fabrication is in the focus of researchers, however, the attempts in multiparticulate units (MPUs) preparation are scarce. The aim of this study was to fabricate different size MPUs by selective laser sintering (SLS), using different polymers, and investigate their processability based on the SeDeM Expert System approach. MPUs (1- or 2-mm size) were prepared with model drug (ibuprofen or caffeine), polymer (poly(ethylene)oxide (PEO), ethyl cellulose (EC) or methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (MA-EA)) and printing aid. Comprehensive sample characterization was performed and experimentally obtained parameters were mathematically transformed and evaluated using the SeDeM Expert System framework. The obtained samples exhibited irregular shape, despite the spherical printing object design. Polymer incorporated notably affected MPUs properties. The obtained samples exhibited low bulk density, good flowability-, as well as stability-related parameters, which indicated their suitability for filling into capsules or sachets. Low density values implied that compressibility enhancing excipients may be required for MPUs incorporation in tablets. Samples containing EC and MA-EA were found suitable for compression, due to high compacts tensile strength. The obtained results indicate that SeDeM Expert System may extended from powder compressibility evaluation tool to framework facilitating powders/multiparticulate units processing.