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3D printing for controlled release Pharmaceuticals: Current trends and future directions
Mingyue Deng1, Siyi Wu2, Meiying Ning3
1Department of Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|December 18, 2024
Summary
3D printing (3DP) offers advanced drug delivery and personalized medicine by enabling controlled-release pharmaceuticals. While promising, challenges in cost, materials, and regulations must be addressed for widespread adoption.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- 3D printing (3DP) is increasingly utilized in medicine for personalized treatments.
- This technology allows for the design of customized dosage forms to precisely control drug release rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of 3D printing applications in controlled-release pharmaceuticals.
- To detail the technical principles, methodologies, and mechanisms involved in 3D printed drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of technical principles behind 3D printing for pharmaceuticals.
- Categorization of common 3D printing systems (extrusion, powder, liquid, sheet lamination).
- Analysis of drug release control mechanisms (dissolution, diffusion, osmosis, swelling, partitioning, erosion, targeting).
Main Results:
- 3DP enables tailored drug release profiles and personalized medicine.
- Various 3D printing technologies and release mechanisms are applicable to pharmaceutical formulations.
- The technology presents significant advantages but also faces substantial challenges.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing holds considerable potential for advancing controlled-release pharmaceuticals and personalized medicine.
- Key challenges include cost, scalability, material development, regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance.
- Future directions involve interdisciplinary collaboration and further integration into personalized healthcare.
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