An investigation into mechanical properties and printability of potential substrates for inkjet printing of orodispersible films

Abstract

Inkjet printing is novel approach in drug manufacturing that enables dispensing precisevolumes of ink onto substrates. Optimal substrate properties including suitable mechanical charac-teristic are recognized as crucial to achieve desired dosage form performance upon administration.Identification of relevant quality attributes and their quantification is subject of intensive scientificresearch. The aim of this work was to explore applicability of different materials as printing substratesand explore contribution of the investigated substrate properties to its printability. Substrates werecharacterized with regards to uniformity, porosity, disintegration time, mechanical properties anddrug dissolution. Experimentally obtained values were mathematically transformed and the obtainedresults were presented as relevant radar charts. It was shown that structurally different substratesmay be employed for orodispersible films inkjet printing. Main disadvantage of single-polymerfilms was low drug load, and their printability was dependent on film flexibility and mechanicalstrength. Structured orodispersible film templates exhibited favorable mechanical properties anddrug load capacity. Wafer edible sheets were characterized with high mechanical resistance andbrittleness which somewhat diminished printability, but did not hinder high drug load. Obtainedresults provide insight into application of different materials as printing substrates and contribute tounderstanding of substrate properties which can affect printability.