Applications of 3D Printing Techniques in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has evolved exponentially since the first technology was introduced in the early 1980s. 3D printing technologies are classified into various manufacturing techniques, also called Additive manufacturing, where all are based over formulation of three-dimensional objects layer: by: layer process according to the digitally designed structure. The main types of 3D printing technologies that have been used within pharmaceutical and biomedical field is classifiable into three groups: printing based on inkjet (IJ) systems, nozzle-based deposition systems (NBD), and system based on laser (SBL). From ten year ago (2015) when the FDA has been approved the 1 ist 3D printed tablet, Spritam, extensive research into the role of 3D-printing in the pharmaceutical industry of various dosage forms and bioengineering has gone. 3D-printing is considered a potential tool and a key driving factor for the manufacturing of specialized dosage forms, prostheses, and devices. The involvement of 3D-printing in pharmaceutical applications will allow the formulation of sophisticated and complex solid dosage forms via many doses and drug release, adjusted to the individual needs, in a more cost-effective way than the conventional manufacturing processes. This article reviews the main 3D-printing technologies used in the pharmaceutical field, with their advantages, disadvantages, and their application with various dosage forms.