3D Printing Pharmaceutical Forms: Personalized Medicine at the Push of a Button

Composition per sachet (3.5 g):

  • Ferric pyrophosphate (liposomal) equivalent to 30 mg elemental iron
  • Vitamin C 60 mg (absorption enhancer)
  • Sunflower phosphatidylcholine (liposome matrix)
  • Xylitol, natural flavors, sodium citrate, colloidal silica

Key technical advantages

  • Liposomal encapsulation for higher bioavailability and reduced gastric irritation
  • Sugar-free, pleasant taste (xylitol sweetened)
  • Enhanced oxidative stability (ascorbic acid + chelators)

Intended use (descriptive): Supports iron levels in individuals with increased needs or dietary insufficiency. Use under healthcare professional guidance.

Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs)

  • Assay: 95–105% of label claim (elemental iron)
  • Liposome particle size (D50): 120–200 nm
  • Heavy metals & microbiology: within supplement limits
  • Dispersibility: dissolves in 200 mL water in ≤60 s with gentle stirring

Packaging: Carton of 20 single-dose sachets + insert
Storage/Shelf-life: Store below 25 °C, dry and protected from light. 24-month shelf-life
Flavor/Identity: Light berry flavor; lot number and expiry printed on each sachet

Basic warnings: Keep out of reach of children; may darken stool; consult a professional if pregnant, lactating, or on chronic medication
Regulatory (template): Food supplement — notification/registration per local rules
Internal codes: SKU: LF-30-20S | GTIN (mock): 0-1234567-00001-3 | Code-128 barcode

Manufacturing overview (high-level):

  1. Prepare lipid phase (phosphatidylcholine) → emulsify with iron solution (ultrasonication)
  2. Liposome formation + size reduction (membrane extrusion)
  3. Blend with dry excipients and spray-dry to free-flowing powder
  4. Fill into sachets → release tests (assay/particle size/micro/LOD)

Release tests: Iron assay, nano-size distribution, microbiological limits, residual moisture (≤5%)