Comparative analysis of characteristics between traditional and 3D-printed gummy tablets

Background. Gummy tablets are widely recognised as an oral pharmaceutical dosage form, particularly suited for paediatric patients due to their organoleptically appealing properties. However, they are also well suited for adult and geriatric patients, offering prolonged release profiles. Recent advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing have enabled the production of gummy tablets using innovative technologies, such as 3D printing via the semi-solid extrusion method. Aim. To compare the characteristics of conventionally manufactured gummy tablets and 3D-printed gummy tablets formulated with Artemisia annua L. extract and various excipients. Methods. The Artemisia annua L. extract was prepared using an ultrasound-assisted extraction method. Three formulations with different excipient combinations — gelatin-HPMC, gelatin-pectin, and HPMC-pectin — were prepared by mechanical stirring at 60 o C. Gummies were produced using two methods: pouring the hot mixture into moulds to cool at room temperature and 3D printing via semi-solid extrusion. The printed mixtures were loaded into a 20 ml syringe and printed at 55 o C, with a printing speed of 100 mm/s, a flow rate of 120 mm/s, 50% infill density, and a layer height of 0.6 mm. Viscosity, hardness, stickiness, and moisture content of the tablets were analysed, with each test performed in triplicate and averages calculated. Results. To ensure precise comparisons, both regular and 3D-printed gummy tablets were cubic-shaped, with identical weights (0.85 ± 0.04 g) and dimensions (8×8×8 mm). The hardness of regular tablets ranged from 3.169 ± 0.158 to 14.380 ± 0.719 N, while 3D-printed tablets ranged from 1,.265 ± 0.063 to 23.863 ± 1.193 N. The gelatin-pectin combination exhibited the highest hardness in both regular and 3D-printed tablets. Stickiness was lowest in HPMCpectin gummies (regular: –0.0050 ± –0,0003 N; 3D-printed: –0.0130 ± 0.0007 N) and highest in gelatin-pectin gummies (regular: –0.112 ± –0.006 N; 3D-printed: –0.185 ± –0.009 N). Moisture content was highest in regular HPMC-gelatin tablets (70.00 ± 3.50 %) and lowest in 3D-printed gelatin-pectin tablets (37.00 ± 1.85 %). Viscosity analysis of the excipient mixtures showed gelatin-pectin as the least viscous (5194.6 ± 259.7 mPa. s), followed by HPMC-gelatin (5283.5 ± 264,2 mPa. s), with HPMC-pectin exhibiting the highest viscosity (5487.8 ± 274.4 mPa. s). Conclusion. 3D-printed gummy tablets with a gelatin-pectin mixture exhibited the most favourable characteristics, including the lowest moisture content and the highest hardness.