Combining Selective Laser Sintering and Fused Deposition Modeling of Pharmaceutical Polymers: A Novel Approach to Prepare Intestine‐Targeted Tablets

Abstract This study introduces a novel approach to prepare an intestine‐targeting transport system with a controlled drug release profile, combining two 3D printing techniques: selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM). Material evaluations indicate that a mixture of Kollidon ® VA64 with 20% of Kollicoat ® IR and 0.2% of Aeroperl ® has the best flow behavior and exhibits optimal printability at a laser speed of 90 mm s −1 . The formulation is subsequently drug‐loaded and the printed cores are coated using the FDM technique. The core serves as a drug carrier and the FDM coating shell, consisting of 95% HPMC and 5% pectin, provides modified drug release and enhanced mechanical resistance of the tablet. The coating exhibits acid‐resistant properties, with no drug release in the pH of 1.2 during the first 120 min of dissolution testing. In the pH of 6.8, the release profile shows zero‐order kinetics with a constant release rate of 0.249% min −1 (in the time interval from 255 to 480 min). At the time point of 720 min, 92% of the drug is released. Dissolution testing thus demonstrates delayed and prolonged drug release. Combining both 3D printing methods shows great potential for personalized treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases.