Pressure-Assisted 3D Printing of Customizable Ondansetron Tablets: An example of On Demand Fabrication of Personalized Medicines - Abstract
Personalized drug delivery has gained significant attention to reduce treatment-related adverse effects and improve therapeutic efficacy. Despite its
promise, one of the key challenges in implementing personalized medicines is the rapid and precise manufacturing of individualized dosage forms. In this
study, we have employed pressure-assisted microsyringe (PAM)-based 3D printing to fabricate immediate-release (IR) tablets of ondansetron (OND), with
customizable doses ranging from 4 mg to 24 mg. A novel application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K100LV), typically used in sustained-release
formulations, was explored for immediate release (IR) tablet printing by modulating the infill density. Microcrystalline cellulose and mannitol were incorporated
in the ink formulation to enhance printability, mechanical strength and stability, while ensuring a high drug loading and controlled disintegration. Rheological
analysis of the HPMC-based ink demonstrated non-Newtonian, shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior, along with favorable extrudability through the printing
nozzle. The printed tablets were assessed for critical quality attributes, such as weight uniformity, friability, and thickness. Additionally, the impact of post
processing drying methods on surface morphology, disintegration time, and dissolution behavior was systematically evaluated on the tablets. Dissolution testing
confirmed that immediate drug release was successfully achieved using HPMC K100LV-based ink, highlighting its versatility in 3D-printed personalized dosage
forms.