Innovative color jet 3D printing of levetiracetam personalized paediatric preparations

3D printing is a promising technology used in the fabrication of complex oral dosage delivery pharmaceuticals.This study first reports an innovative color jet 3D printing(CJ-3DP)technology to produce colorful cartoon levetiracetam pediatric preparations with high accuracy and reproducibility.For this study,the ideal printing ink consisted of 40%(v/v)isopropanol aqueous solution containing 0.05%(w/w)polyvinylpyrrolidone and 4%(w/w)glycerin,which was satisfied with scale-up of the production.The external and internal spatial structures of the tablets were designed to control the appearance and release,and cartoon tablets with admirable appearances and immediate release characteristics were printed.The dosage model showed a good linear relationship between the model volume and the tablet strength(r>0.999),which proved the potential of personalized administration.The surface roughness indicated that the appearance of the CJ-3DP tablets was significantly better than the first listed 3D printed drug(Spritam R).Moreover,the scanning electron microscopy and porosity results further showed that the tablets have a structure of loose interior and tight exterior,which could ensure good mechanical properties and rapid dispersion characteristics simultaneously.In conclusion,the innovative CJ-3DP technology can be used to fabricate personalized pediatric preparations for improved compliance.Due to the stable formulation and fabrication process,this technology has the potential in scale-up production.

Effects of Agkistrodon in Different Dosage Forms on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objectives： To determine the effective dosage and formulation of agkistrodon in collagen-induced arthritis（CIA） rats. Methods： CIA was induced by injection of collagen in complete/incomplete Freund＇s adjuvant. Agkistrodon decoction, agkistrodon powder, and agkistrodon wine were administered daily starting from the onset of arthritis. Paw swelling degree was measured by using a volume-measuring instrument every 7 days after primary immunization. Arthritis index was measured and calculated using the ＂five scoring method＂ every 7 days. The levels of serum interleukin-1β（IL-1β） and type Ⅱ collagen Ig G antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, all ankles were removed, and X-ray radiography was performed with In-vivo Imaging System FX. Samples were counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin for analysis. Results： Among the various dosage formulations of agkistrodon, high-dose powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults, showed better effects on the inhibition of joint swelling and reduction of arthritis index score. The relatively low levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type Ⅱ collagen Ig G antibodies, as well as the X-ray radiography and pathology results, further proved the superiority of the high-dose powder over the other formulations. The effect of decoction on inhibiting joint swelling was inversely proportional to the dosage. Other effects, such as reduction of arthritis index score and the levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type Ⅱ collagen Ig G antibodies, were directly proportional to the dosage. While the use of large dose agkistrodon wine led to negative effects. Conclusions： These data highlight the potential function of high-dose agkistrodon powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults. The powder can quickly relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent aggravation of disease, especially during the early period.