INNOVATIVE METHODS FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL PHARMACEUTICAL ADHESIVE FOR 3D PRINTING DRUGS

Abstract

3D printing has emerged in the technological context of prototyping. It offers the advantage of producing a unique, individualized object in a noticeably short timeframe and at a relatively low cost. Classical mass production methods provide a meagre price per unit delivered only if that product is made in large quantities. Hence, the cost of designing and executing models and templates divided by the number of units is low. The 3D printer does not need a fixed mold for producing drugs; it only uses data from mathematical software that can be adapted to different needs. This paper aims to address the lack of adhesion of the drug to the glass bed of the 3D printer. The adhesion to the glass bed of 3D printed parts is one of the most widespread current problems of 3D printing. This paper proposes the development of an adhesive to solve the problem of poor adhesion while maintaining the characteristics imposed by the rigors of the pharmaceutical field. Screening results showed that the polymer that, after complete drying, still maintains a sticky surface useful for adhesion was PVP. The other polymers did not readily dissolve in alcohol solutions, or they did not present any stickiness after drying, or the formulations were hard to dry (water-based formulations). The selected polymer was polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for final formulations, and different concentrations and alcohol solutions were tested. Viscosity, spray pattern, and push force were investigated for each container spray with different formulations. The correlation between quantitative composition, the solvent used, and viscosity was evaluated to select the best overall formulation.