Fabrication of Novel Floating 3D-Printed Devices with Adjustable Releasing Channels for Controlled Release

Gastro-retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) have been used to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs with narrow absorption windows, unstable in alkaline pH, soluble in acidic conditions, and active locally in the stomach. This study aimed to produce a novel floating three-dimensional (3D)-printed device (F3D) from polylactic acid filaments using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer. There were two parts of F3D: a cap with an air chamber for floating property and a body with 6 channels for controlled release. The device was designed to have adjustable channels for the releasing control and gastric retention of Bromhexine, carvedilol, and theophylline. The releasing channels could be adjusted by rotating the base to open or close the number of releasing channels as 3 levels (2, 4, and 6 channels). Morphology, weight variation, ex vivo floating time, and drug release characteristics were examined. The F3D had a smooth texture with a narrow SD value of weight variation and actual size, suggesting that the F3D had high accuracy and consistent fabrication using 3D printing technology. All tablets incorporated F3D was able to float for at least 24 h. Decreasing the number of channels on the devices led to the sustained release of drugs following 2> 4> 6 channels. Hence, F3D could be useful in controlling drug release for various commercial tablets. Keywords: 3D-printed device, Floating device, Fused deposition modeling, Gastroretentive drug delivery systems, controlled release dosage form