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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
3D Printing of Preclinical X-ray Computed Tomographic Data Sets
Published on: March 22, 2013
3D printing in theranostic applications
Italo Rodrigo Calori1, Ana Paula Pereira Guimaraes1, Antonio Claudio Tedesco1
1Center of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering - Photobiology and Photomedicine Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is advancing theranostic platforms by integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions. This review explores 3D printing techniques, challenges, and future potential for novel theranostic solutions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Additive manufacturing, particularly three-dimensional (3D) printing, is transforming conventional fabrication methods.
- Theranostic platforms integrate diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities into a single device for enhanced medical applications.
- 3D printing offers unprecedented design freedom for complex theranostic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the recent advancements and applications of 3D printing technologies in the field of theranostics.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art and future perspectives in 3D printed theranostics.
- To discuss the design, fabrication, challenges, and limitations associated with 3D printing for theranostic devices.
Main Methods:
- Review of extrusion-based 3D printing techniques, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM).
- Exploration of light-based 3D printing methods, including stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS).
- Analysis of the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within 3D printed structures.
Main Results:
- 3D printing enables the fabrication of sophisticated theranostic devices with high precision and customization.
- Various 3D printing techniques are suitable for creating diverse theranostic platforms.
- Significant progress has been made in integrating multiple functions into single 3D printed theranostic systems.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing holds immense potential for advancing theranostic strategies by enabling complex, integrated devices.
- Addressing current challenges in materials, resolution, and scalability is crucial for widespread clinical adoption.
- Future research should focus on optimizing 3D printing processes for next-generation theranostic solutions.
