Development of sustained release tablet containing Mucuna extract via semi-solid extrusion 3D printer

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability of penis to maintain a firm erection during sexual activity. Mucuna, or M. pruriens, contains levodopa, a compound showing promise in ED treatment. However, formulating Mucuna extract into tablet dosage forms is challenging due to its semi-solid nature. This study aimed to develop sustained-release tablets containing Mucuna extract via semi-solid extrusion 3D printing. Eudragit RS PO (Eudragit) served as a sustained release polymer, with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a co-polymer for forming tablet matrixes. The study had two main phases: screening and optimization. Results showed that both the polymeric solid percentage content in the semisolid slurry (PSPC) and Eudragit-PVA ratio significantly affected printability. All formulations were printable, and PSPC and Eudragit-PVA ratio were incorporated into the optimized model. The desired formulation, achieving targeted levodopa release and consistency, had PSPC between 54.4% and 58.8% and Eudragit-PVA ratio between 2.25:1 and 2.88:1. In conclusion, semi-solid extrusion 3D printing guided by Design of Experiments (DoE) proved feasible for producing reliable 3D printed tablets with consistent active ingredients and desired release rates.