3D µCT Videography: Structural Evolution of 3D-Printed Tablets Before and After 24-Hour Dissolution
Description
This dataset provides 3D time-lapse video reconstructions derived from X-ray micro-Computed Tomography (µ-CT) scans. The videos visualize the structural changes of 3D-printed pharmaceutical tablets before and after dissolution, focusing on the evolution of their internal pore structure and quantifying closed and open porosity over time. This technique was used to qualitatively assess the dissolution mechanism. Sample & Method Summary Sample Type: 3D-Printed Controlled-Release Tablet. Composition: API: 65%, Lipid Binder: 35% Manufacturing: Sintered Laser Melting. Dissolution Medium: Phosphate-buffered saline (pH 6.8) at 37°C. (Tablets were dried before post-dissolution scanning). Analysis Focus: Closed and open porosity quantification. Acquisition Details Imaging Device: ZEISS Xradia 620 Versa scanner (ZEISS Microscopy) Voxel Resolution: 6.7 µm Voltage/Power: 70 kV, 8.5 W Time Points: Scanned before and after 24 hours of dissolution (samples dried before post-dissolution scan). Analysis Software: Dragonfly software (Comet Technologies / ORS).
Files
Steps to reproduce
1. Sample Preparation & Dissolution • Manufacture 3D-printed tablets by the sintered laser melting technique based on hot-melt extrudate granules (65% acetaminophen + 35% Compritol ATO-888) as feedstock. • Scan the Pre-Dissolution (t=0) samples. • Subject samples to 24 hours of dissolution (in phosphate buffer pH 6.8). • Dry the tablets post-dissolution before the second scan. 2. Micro-CT Acquisition • Use a ZEISS Xradia 620 Versa scanner. • Set the Voxel Resolution to 6.7 µm. • Acquire images using 70 kV and 8.5 W with an LE1 filter (±180 rotation, 3001 views). 3. Image Processing and Analysis • Perform Image Reconstruction using the specified parameters (e.g., center shift 0.318). • Import reconstructed volumes into Dragonfly software. • Execute Digital Segmentation within a defined ROI (900+ layers) to quantify closed and open porosity. • Render and export the final 3D videos showing the tablet structure.
Institutions
- University of Texas at AustinTX, Austin