Abstract

FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING METHOD IN 3D PRINTING: AN OVERVIEW

Lajja Patel* and Prakruti Patel

ABSTRACT

Recently, 3D printing technology has set the platform for patient-tailored dosage form where fabrication of dosage form can be carried out in desired dose, shape and size, which is difficult to achieve using traditional technologies. Three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a fabrication process whereby a 3D object is created layer-by-layer by depositing a feedstock material such as thermoplastic polymer. The most common 3D printing technology is called the Fused Deposition - Modeling [FDM] which utilises thermoplastic filaments as a starting material, then extrudes the material in sequential layers above its melting temperature to create a 3D object. These filaments can be fabricated using the Hot-Melt Extrusion [HME] technology. The advantage of using HME to manufacture polymer filaments for FDM printing is that a homogenous solid dispersion of two or more pharmaceutical excipients i.e., polymers can be made and a thermostable drug can even be introduced in the filament composition, which is otherwise impractical with any other techniques. By introducing HME techniques for 3D printing filament development can improve the bioavailability and solubility of drugs as well as sustain the drug release for a prolonged period of time. The aim of this review is to give a general introduction of FDM printing technology, identifies suitable polymers and applications in fabricating personalised drug delivery devices. Also, advantages, limitations of FDM 3D printing in drug delivery systems will be addressed.

Keywords: 3D printing, Fused Deposition Modeling, Hot-Melt Extrusion, Polymers.