3D Printing Technology: A New Milestone in the Development of Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

The global market of pharmaceuticals has witnessed a new revolution recently in the form of threedimensional printing (3D) technology. 3D printing has its existence since the 1980s that uses a 3D printer to manufacture the different dosage forms through computer-aided drug design technology. The need for 3D printing is due to numerous advantages like personalized medicine, tailored doses, rapid disintegration in case of SLS technique, incorporation of high doses and taste masking capacity. The different techniques used in 3D printing are Powder based (PB), Semi-solid extrusion (EXT), Fused deposition modeling (FDM), Stereolithographic (SLA) and Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing. However, from the latest reports of association of pharmaceutical 3D printing technology, it is evidenced that this technology is still in its infancy and its potential is yet to be fully explored. The present review includes sections for introduction and scope of 3D printing, personalized medicines and their approaches, historical aspects, research milestones, and various 3D printing techniques.