Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. in Pharmaceutical Science

First Advisor

Michael A. Repka

Second Advisor

Dr. Walter Chambliss

Third Advisor

Dr. Eman Ashour

School

University of Mississippi

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the applicability of a 3-Dimensional extrusion-based bioprinter in developing a 3D-printed tablet as a single-step process. Metronidazole was used as a model drug, and Eudragit® EPO as a taste-masking polymer for formulating taste-masked tablets. Processing parameters were optimized for the nozzle's printing speed, a printhead's heating temperature, and pressure. Oval-shaped tablets were printed with a rectilinear printing pattern of 30% and 100% infill. 3D printed tablets were characterized by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The F9, F10, and F11 formulations showed desired printability, and F9 and F10 exhibited more than 85% of drug release within 60 minutes in the in-vitro dissolution study. The F9 formulation with 30% infill effectively masked the metronidazole’s bitter taste in the in-vitro dissolution study performed in pH 6.8 artificial salivary media. The release observed was less than the tasting threshold concentration of the model drug. Overall, 3- Dimensional extrusion-based printing provides the combined effect of hot-melt extrusion and fused deposition modeling techniques in a single-step process and needs to be explored further to establish an attractive alternative method to fused deposition modeling 3D printing technique.

Available for download on Saturday, September 13, 2025

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