Abstract

3D PRINTING IN PHARMACEUTICALS: TECHNOLOGIES, MATERIALS, CASE STUDIES, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Yogapriya G.*, Chandru B. S., Nirmal Kumar R., Anusha R., Yalisai Arasu S.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, often known as additive manufacturing, is a fast-developing technology in the pharmaceutical industry. It permits the creation of tailored medicines with precise drug dosages, bespoke forms, and controlled drug release profiles based on patient requirements. Tablets, capsules, implants, and sophisticated drug delivery systems are manufactured using a variety of 3D printing techniques, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), inkjet printing, binder jetting, stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering. SPRITAM®'s FDA approval was a significant step forward in pharmaceutical 3D printing, demonstrating its clinical promise. The production method employs a variety of materials, including polymers, hydrogels, ceramics, resins, and nanoparticles, to improve medication stability, biocompatibility, and therapeutic effectiveness. 3D printing also enables the creation of polypills that include numerous medications in a single dosage form, increasing patient compliance and reducing dosing complexity. In addition, the technology provides benefits such as quick prototyping, decreased material waste, flexible manufacturing, and ondemand drug manufacture. Despite barriers such as regulatory approval, quality control, and production costs, advances in artificial intelligence, biomaterials, and pharmaceutical engineering are likely to expand the future reach of 3D printing in healthcare. Overall, 3D printing has the potential to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing by allowing for tailored therapy, enhanced drug delivery methods, and more efficient healthcare solutions.

Keywords: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, industry 4.0, personalized medicine, inkjet printing, binder jetting, fused deposition modelling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), semi-solid extrusion (SSE), drug delive