Pressure-assisted microsyringe 3D printing of oral films based on pullulan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

Oral films (OFs) continue to attract attention as drug delivery systems, particularly for pedatric and geriatric needs. However, immiscibility between different polymers limits the full potential of OFs from being explored. One example is pullulan (PUL), a novel biopolymer which often has be blended with other reduce cost alter its mechanical properties. In this study, state-of-the-art in fabrication techniques, three-dimensional (3D) printing was used produce hybrid film structures PUL hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), were loaded caffeine model drug. 3D control spatial deposition films. HPMC found increase mean properties films, where tensile strength, elastic modulus elongation break increased 8.9 14.5 MPa, 1.17 1.56 GPa 1.48% 1.77%, respectively. addition, orientation also explored determine could maximize The results revealed that modify whilst circumventing issues associated immiscibility.