3D Printing Technology in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Advantages and Challenges

Abstract

Three Dimensional (3D) printing is a promising method for quick prototyping and manufacturing of any material. It is similar to photocopy or printing, where the new materials are formed on layers (3D) like their mother component. Following its growth and advancement in the 1980s, its application in pharmaceuticals is still limited. It has become one of the most innovative and influential tools serving as a technology for developing dosage forms from the last decade. The potential of 3D printing to produce drugs for precise measurement customized to specific patients' needs has shown the possibility of developing personalized medicines to novel dosage forms. The breakthrough allows the clear perception of the dosage structures on different shapes, sizes, surfaces and the associated challenges in delivering them by using such designed conditions. There are different difficulties related to the correct utilization of 3D imprinting in the pharmaceuticals, which have a strong impact on the scope of this technology. Recent advancements in the field of 3D printing technology used in the pharmaceutical industry mainly focused on different techniques for the fabrication of different dosage forms. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent approval of the first 3D prescription highlights possibilities for 3D printing innovation in the field of pharmaceutical drug supply. This analysis assesses 3D printing advancement possibilities, particularly in the area of custom prescriptions. This technology can be regarded as the future produced on demand, low-cost solid dosage forms and helps minimize side effects due to overdose.