UCL researchers use 3D printing technology to prevent opioid abuse

China3D printingNet May 7th, a group of researchers from University College London (UCL) developed3D printingThe opioid drug (tramadol) has anti-alcohol and anti-abuse properties. This work aims to respond to the growing global health crisis of opioid abuse caused by over-prescription of high-intensity painkillers by providing a safer drug management method.

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3D printingOf tramadol tablets. Filmed by UCL.

The opioid epidemic

In the past decade or so, the number of prescriptions for opioids has increased exponentially, which has exacerbated the abuse of opioids and has become an established global health crisis. According to the World Health Organization, drug abuse and abuse currently affect 27 million people worldwide, and this number is increasing every day. Because of its extremely effective analgesic effect, especially opioids are very easy to abuse. One of the most common opioids is tramadol, which can be used for moderate to severe pain during major operations and accidents. Long-term use of tramadol usually leads to dependence, which can lead to respiratory depression, coma and even death.


Resistant to alcohol and stop abuse

To produce modified-release tramadol tablets, the research team first mixed the active ingredient tramadol hydrochloride with D-mannitol (plasticizer) and magnesium stearate (lubricant). Each batch consists of a mixture of 10g drugs and their additives, and uses professional M3DIMAKER 3D printingThe machine uses a direct powder extrusion method to process tablets with a diameter of 16x 10mm.3D printing-This form is very similar to FDM.


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3D printingDensity map of the tablet. Picture via UCL.

Because drug use often occurs at the same time as drinking alcohol, and because mixing alcohol with opioids can be fatal, the team believes that the role of tablet production is important because this effect will not be emphasized by the presence of alcohol. In order to evaluate the “alcohol resistance” of the tablets, the researchers tested the solubility of the formulated compound in 40% ethanol and water. The dissolution rate in alcohol and non-alcoholic solvents is similar, and the researchers even found that the release rate of tablets in alcohol is slightly slower. This means that if the tablet is mixed with alcohol in the user’s stomach, it will reduce the chance of overdose caused by immediate release (that is, dose dumping caused by alcohol).

According to this study, in abuse cases, the most common management methods are through injections and snorting. To test the “injectability” of the tablet, boil a single tablet in water for five minutes, and then prepare a 5 ml syringe. The researchers then analyzed the amount of active drug that the syringe can actually inhale. The results show that only about 20% of the active drug is present in the syringe, making it quite resistant to injections.



Injectability test. Photos of UCL.

To test how easy it is to abuse the nose, the research team grinds the tablets in a coffee grinder for two minutes, and then determines the particle size distribution of the product. Particles smaller than 500 microns are considered small enough to be sucked dry and absorbed. Although approximately 92% of the particles are small enough to affect users, the researchers concluded that the inherent gelling properties of tramadol hydrochloride can cause enough blockage and discomfort in the user’s nose, so it is not recommended to continue nasal use .

China3D printingNet compiled from: 3dprintingindustry.com

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