Coupling hot melt extrusion and fused deposition modeling: Critical properties for successful performance q

Interest in 3D printing for pharmaceutical applications has increased in recent years. Compared to other 3D printing techniques, hot melt extrusion (HME)-based fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has been the most extensively investigated for patient-focused dosage. HME technology can be coupled with FDM 3D printing as a continuous manufacturing process. However, the crucial pharmaceutical polymers, formulation and process parameters must be investigated to establish HME-coupled FDM 3D printing. These advancements will lead the way towards developing continuous drug delivery systems for personalized therapy. This brief overview classifies pharmaceutical additive manufacturing, Hot Melt Extrusion, and Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing techniques with a focus on coupling HME and FDM 3D printing processes. It also provides insights on the critical material properties, process and equipment parameters and limitations of successful HME-coupled FDM systems. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Interest in 3D printing for pharmaceutical applications has been on the rise, with HME-based FDM 3D printing being extensively investigated for patient-focused dosage. By investigating crucial pharmaceutical polymers, formulation and process parameters, HME-coupled FDM 3D printing can be established to pave the way for developing continuous drug delivery systems for personalized therapy.