Pediatric-friendly chocolate-based dosage forms for the oral administration of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs fabricated with extrusion-based 3D printing.

The aim of the current study was the development of pediatric-friendly 3D printed chocolate-based oral dosage forms. Corn syrup was used to both facilitate the incorporation of a lipophilic, namely ibuprofen or a hydrophilic, namely paracetamol, active compound that were used as model drugs and to enable 3D printing of the chocolate-based dosage forms. Physicochemical (differential scanning calorimetry, X-Ray diffraction, Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size distribution) and rheological studies were applied for the characterization of the prepared chocolate-based formulations. Texture profile analysis and in vitro digestion studies were performed in order to further analyze the texture attributes and to evaluate drug dissolution of the final dosage forms, respectively. In the present study, we reported on a facile method for the preparation of a 3D printed chewable chocolate-based dosage form with rapid and high release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs in simulated salivary fluid. The application of 3D printing technology enables accuracy in dose adjustment, while at the same time introducing the potential of patient's active involvement in customization of the design, textural and organoleptic properties of the final dosage form.