Modeling and evaluation of ivermectin release kinetics from 3D-printed tablets.

Abstract

Aim: This study focused on evaluating the influence of geometric dimensions on the drug release kinetics of 3D-printed tablets.Materials & methods: An ink based on Gelucire 50/13 was prepared to print ivermectin-loaded tablets. The ink was characterized physicochemically and tablet dissolution tests were carried out.Results: The results confirmed the suitability of the ink for 3D printing at a temperature >46°C. Changes in the crystallinity of ivermectin were observed without chemical interactions with the polymer. 3D printed tablets with varied proportional sizes showed dual behavior in their release profiles, while tablets with only thickness reduction exhibited zero-order kinetics.Conclusion: These findings highlight the versatility of 3D printing to create systems with specific and customized release profiles.