Selective laser sintering 3D printing – an overview of the technology and pharmaceutical applications. (2nd June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charoo, Naseem A.; Barakh Ali, Sogra F.; Mohamed, Eman M.; Kuttolamadom, Mathew A.; Ozkan, Tanil; Khan, Mansoor A.; Rahman, Ziyaur
• Is Part Of: Drug development and industrial pharmacy. Volume 46:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 869
• Page End: 877
• Publication Date: 2020-06-02
• Subjects: 3D printing -- selective laser sintering -- pharmaceuticals -- in-process monitoring -- quality defects -- personalized medication; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical industry -- Periodicals; Drug Industry -- Periodicals; Technology, Pharmaceutical -- Periodicals; 615.05
• DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1764027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-9045

Abstract

Abstract: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a drug product (Spritam®) and many medical devices manufactured by three-dimensional printing (3DP) processes for human use. There is immense potential to print personalized medicines using 3DP. Many 3DP methods have been reported in the literature for pharmaceutical applications. However, selective laser sintering (SLS) printing has remained least explored for pharmaceutical applications. There are many advantages and challenges in adopting a SLS method for fabrication of personalized medicines. Solvent-free nature, availability of FDA approved thermoplastic polymer/excipients (currently used in hot melt-extrusion process), minimal/no post-processing step, etc. are some of the advantages of the SLS printing process. Major challenges of the technology are requirement of at least one thermoplastic component in the formulation and thermal stability of drug and excipients. This review provides an overview of the SLS printing method, excipient requirements, process monitoring, quality defects, regulatory aspects, and potential pharmaceutical applications.