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Protein Delivery Using Three-Dimensional Printing of Buccal Films: Technological Advances and Clinical Potential
Tejaswi Appidi1, Thirupathi R Anekalla1, Shanthi Chede2
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA.
Pharmaceutics
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Therapeutic protein delivery is challenging. This review explores 3D-printed buccal films as a non-invasive method to improve protein stability and systemic absorption, overcoming traditional delivery limitations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Therapeutic proteins are vital in medicine but face delivery hurdles like instability and enzymatic degradation.
- Parenteral administration is invasive, necessitating alternative non-invasive routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review traditional and 3D-printed buccal film platforms for therapeutic protein delivery.
- To analyze protein stability challenges and formulation strategies in buccal delivery.
- To highlight emerging proof-of-concept studies in this field.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on buccal drug delivery systems.
- Analysis of 3D printing techniques for fabricating buccal films.
- Critical evaluation of protein stability and formulation approaches.
Main Results:
- Buccal delivery offers non-invasive systemic absorption, bypassing GI degradation and hepatic first-pass metabolism.
- 3D printing enables precise dosage control, complex structures, and patient-specific buccal film designs.
- Various formulation strategies are being developed to enhance protein stability within buccal films.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed buccal films represent a promising non-invasive strategy for therapeutic protein delivery.
- Addressing protein stability remains crucial for successful clinical translation.
- Emerging research indicates significant potential for advanced buccal protein therapeutics.
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