The Impact of the Preparation Method on the Properties of Orodispersible Films with Aripiprazole: Electrospinning vs. Casting and 3D Printing Methods

Abstract

Orodispersible films (ODFs) address the needs of pediatric and geriatric patients and people with swallowing difficulties due to fast disintegration in the mouth. Typically, they are obtained using the solvent casting method, but other techniques such as 3D printing and electrospinning have already been investigated. The decision on the manufacturing method is of crucial importance because it affects film properties. This study aimed to compare electrospun ODFs containing aripiprazole and polyvinyl alcohol with films prepared using casting and 3D printing methods. Characterization of films included DSC and XRD analysis, microscopic analysis, the assessment of mechanical parameters, disintegration, and dissolution tests. Simplified stability studies were performed after one month of storage. All prepared films met acceptance criteria for mechanical properties. Electrospun ODFs disintegrated in 1.0 s, which was much less than in the case of other films. Stability studies have shown the sensitivity of electrospun films to the storage condition resulting in partial recrystallization of ARP. These changes negatively affected the dissolution rate, but mechanical properties and disintegration time remained at a desirable level. The results demonstrated that electrospun fibers are promising solutions that can be used in the future for the treatment of patients with swallowing problems.

3D Printed Buccal Films for Prolonged-Release of Propranolol Hydrochloride: Development, Characterization and Bioavailability Prediction

“…With the addition of the drug or when blended with PVP or PVA, toughness and breaking elongation decrease. Obtained results for blended films F3 and F5 are in agreement with literature data [39,44,54]. The tensile tests revealed that F6 showed 30% lower tensile strength and 11% higher modulus of elasticity than F4.…”

Orodispersible Films with Rupatadine Fumarate Enclosed in Ethylcellulose Microparticles as Drug Delivery Platform with Taste-Masking Effect

“…The moisture content depends on the material of the film and the method used in the production, but it is mostly within the range of 3–11%. Łyszczarz et al obtained 2.8% of moisture content for ODFs prepared by electrospinning, 7.9% for 3D printed films and 10.9% for casted ODFs [ 38 ]. These films were prepared from an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol.…”

Effects of Various Drying Times on the Properties of 3D Printed Orodispersible Films

“…Further analysis of commercial products shows that the tensile strength should be at least 30 N/cm 2 [44,46]. The ODFs loaded with quetiapine in a different study show much smaller tensile strength values (2.12-3.65 N/cm 2 ) and percentual elongation of 5.01-6.33% [47].…”