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.
Keywords: 3D printing; compression; ethyl cellulose; flowability; methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1); poly(ethylene)oxide.
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