Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
09:08
Three-dimensional Printing of Thermoplastic Materials to Create Automated Syringe Pumps with Feedback Control for Microfluidic Applications
Published on: August 30, 2018
13.3K
3D printed drug delivery devices: recent promises and challenges
Ishwor Poudel1, Chu Zhang1, Nur Mita1,2
1Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|April 11, 2026
Summary
3D printing (3DP) offers personalized drug delivery but faces challenges in cost, manufacturing, and regulation. Integrating AI and ML can enable adaptive manufacturing for tailored therapies, advancing personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- 3D printing (3DP) has advanced pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, with medical devices gaining more traction than drug products.
- Despite 3DP's potential for patient-tailored, on-demand products, clinical adoption is limited by cost, efficacy, scalability, and regulatory concerns.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) integration offers potential for adaptive manufacturing but lacks clear regulatory guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and future potential of 3D printing in drug delivery.
- To discuss the role of AI/ML and automation in personalized medicine applications.
- To examine regulatory landscapes and clinical trial progress for 3D-printed drug delivery devices.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 3D printing technologies in pharmaceuticals and biomedicine.
- Analysis of challenges including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and regulatory hurdles.
- Exploration of AI/ML integration for adaptive and personalized manufacturing.
Main Results:
- 3DP technology is progressing, with increasing clinical relevance and feasibility.
- Bio-responsive materials and AI-driven design tools are enhancing 3D-printed delivery platforms.
- Patient-centric manufacturing via 3DP holds promise for targeted and effective personalized therapies.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing is poised to significantly impact personalized medicine through advanced drug delivery systems.
- Overcoming regulatory barriers and scaling up manufacturing are crucial for widespread clinical adoption.
- The synergy of 3DP, AI/ML, and novel materials will drive the next generation of therapeutic innovations.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
127
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
127
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
139
Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also...
139
01:27Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types
321
Conventional oral drug products, termed immediate-release (IR) formulations, are engineered to promptly release their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) upon ingestion, typically in tablets or capsules. This rapid release often results in swift drug absorption and consequent pharmacodynamic effects, although the timing and intensity can vary depending on the drug's properties. Prodrugs within these formulations require metabolic conversion to activate their pharmacodynamic effects,...
321
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
103
Rate-programmed drug delivery systems release drugs in a controlled manner to maintain therapeutic levels. Three main designs include reservoir, matrix, and hybrid systems.Reservoir systems consist of a drug core enclosed within a membrane that controls drug release. In non-swelling reservoir systems, polymers like ethyl cellulose or polymethacrylates are used. These do not hydrate in aqueous media and control release through membrane thickness, porosity, or insolubility. This type includes...
103
01:28Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices
150
Parenteral drug delivery systems play a crucial role in modern therapeutics by enabling the direct administration of drugs into the systemic circulation, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. These systems are particularly valuable for poorly absorbed oral medications that are unstable in the digestive environment or require rapid onset or sustained therapeutic levels. Delivery is achieved through intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes, each selected based on the drug's properties...
150
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
149
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
149