3D Printed Dosage Forms With Voxel-Based Drug Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical dosage forms and medical devices lack flexibility in choosing base materials and active ingredient distribution, limiting the ability to create complex dosage forms with controlled release profiles and drug targeting.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of three-dimensional objects through predefined volume increments, where each increment contains a base composition and can include pharmaceutical active ingredients, with varying volumes and compositions, allowing for layer-by-layer construction and controlled release profiles by adjusting the volume increments' sizes and arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional additive manufacturing processes are used for pharmaceutical dosage forms, then manufacturing capability is achieved, but flexibility in choosing base materials and active ingredient distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dosage form is divided into multiple discrete volume increments (voxels) that can be independently designed and printed. Each voxel can contain different active ingredients, carrier materials, and concentrations, enabling flexible material selection and drug distribution patterns without requiring complex integrated manufacturing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the dosage form can have different properties by varying the composition, volume, and arrangement of individual voxels. This allows localized control over active ingredient distribution, release rates, and material properties throughout the dosage form structure
2Manufacturing precision
If uniform volume increments are used in 3D printing, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but controlled release profiles and drug targeting capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The volume of individual voxels is varied according to a specific gradient pattern (increasing from outside to inside) to control drug release kinetics. This parameter variation enables tailored release profiles and targeting capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple additive manufacturing process
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex dosage forms with varied active ingredient distribution are created, then drug targeting capability is improved, but manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital model of the dosage form is pre-designed with the desired active ingredient distribution and voxel volume gradients before manufacturing. This preliminary digital planning enables complex drug targeting patterns to be achieved through straightforward additive manufacturing, reducing actual production time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the production of flexible, customizable pharmaceutical dosage forms and medical devices with controlled release profiles and drug targeting capabilities, enhancing the uniformity and specificity of active ingredient delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the volume increments comprise a base composition or base substance that is flowable at a printing temperature compatible with the at least one active ingredient, which solidifies after printing the respective volume increment
Implementation Method 2
the volume increments are superficially bonded to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an additive method for manufacturing solid or semi-solid two- or three-dimensional objects that contain one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients, and to objects obtained by said method, such as semi-solid or solid dosage forms or medical products. The method is a three-dimensional printing method by way of which individual defined volume increments are printed that can be substantially freely chosen in terms of the active ingredients contained, substrate materials used, shape, size, color, active ingredient concentrations and location in the manufactured object.