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X‐ray microfocus computed tomography: a powerful tool for structural and functional characterisation of 3D printed dosage forms
Author(s) -
GIOUMOUXOUZIS C.I.,
KATSAMENIS O.L.,
FATOUROS D.G.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1111/jmi.12798
Subject(s) - 3d printed , 3d printing , computed tomography , biomedical engineering , materials science , process (computing) , tomography , computer science , industrial computed tomography , fabrication , manufacturing process , medical physics , nanotechnology , engineering drawing , optics , medicine , engineering , radiology , physics , composite material , alternative medicine , pathology , operating system
Summary One of the most promising advances in modern pharmaceutical technology is the introduction of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology for the fabrication of drug products. 3D printed dosage forms have the potential to revolutionise pharmacotherapy as streamlined production of structurally complex formulations with optimal drug releasing properties is now made possible. 3D printed formulations are derived as part of a process where a ‘print‐head’ deposits, or sinters material under computer control to produce a drug carrier. However, this manufacturing route inherently generates objects that deviate from the ideal designed template for reasons specific to the 3D printing method used. This short opinion article discusses the potential of high‐resolution nondestructive 3D (volume) imaging by means of X‐ray microfocus Computed Tomography (μCT) as a Process Analytical Technology for the structural and functional characterisation of 3D printed dosage forms.