Cell voltage is a fundamental quantity used to monitor and control Li-ion batteries. The open circuit voltage (OCV) is of particular interest as it is believed to be a thermodynamic...

A method for the production of liquid capsules with the potential of modifying drug dose and release is presented. For the first time, the co-ordinated use of fused deposition modelling (FDM), 3D printing and liquid dispensing to fabricate individualised dosage form on demand in a fully automated fashion has been demonstrated. Polymethacrylate shells (Eudragit EPO and RL) for immediate and extended release were fabricated using FDM 3D printing and simultaneously filled using a computer-controlled liquid dispenser loaded with model drug solution (theophylline) or suspension (dipyridamole). The impact of printing modes: simultaneous shell printing and filling (single-phase) or sequential 3D printing of shell bottom, filling and shell cap (multi-phase), nozzle size, syringe volume, and shell structure has been reported. The use of shell thickness of 1.6 mm, and concentric architecture allowed successful containment of liquid core whilst maintaining the release properties of the 3D printed liquid capsule. The linear relationship between the theoretical and the actual volumes from the dispenser reflected its potential for accurate dosing (R = 0.9985). Modifying the shell thickness of Eudragit RL capsule allowed a controlled extended drug release without the need for formulation change. Owing to its low cost and versatility, this approach can be adapted to wide spectrum of liquid formulations such as small and large molecule solutions and obviate the need for compatibility with the high temperature of FDM 3D printing process. In a clinical setting, health care staff will be able to instantly manufacture in small volumes liquid capsules with individualised dose contents and release pattern in response to specific patient's needs.

On demand manufacturing of patient-specific oral doses provides significant advantages to patients and healthcare staff. Several 3D printing (3DP) technologies have been proposed as a potential digital alternative to conventional manufacturing of oral tablets. For additive manufacturing approach to be successful for on-demand preparation, a facile process with minimal preparation steps and training requirements is needed. A novel hybrid approach to the 3D printing process is demonstrated here based on combined solvent and heating elements/factors/aspects to facilitate extrusion. The system employed a moderate elevated temperature range of (65-100 o C), a brief drying period, and a simple set-up. In this approach, a compact powder cylinder is used as a pharmaceutical ink to be extruded in a temperaturecontrolled metal syringe. The process proved compatible with hygroscopic polymers [Poly(vinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(vinyl pyridine) (PVP)] and a number of pharmaceutical fillers (lactose, sorbitol and mannitol). The fabricated tablets demonstrated compendial acceptable weight and content uniformity as well as mechanical resistance. In vitro drug release of theophylline from 3D printed tablets was dependant on the nature of the polymer and its molecular weight. This reported approach offers significant advantages compared to other 3DP technologies: simplification of pre-product, the use of a moderate temperature range, a minimal drying period, and avoiding the use of mechanically complicated direct extruder machinery. In the future, we envisage the use of this low-cost and facile approach to fabricate small batches of bespoke tablets.

Here we report the synthesis via ceramic methods of the high-performance Mn-rich Na2.4Al0.4Mn2.6O7 oxygen-redox cathode material for Na-ion batteries which we use as a testbed material to study the effects...

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