Analysis of advanced technologies for 3D printing of pharmaceutical products for personalised medicine: A review

<ns3:p>The purpose of this paper is to make an analysis of the advanced technologies for 3D printing of pharmaceutical products for personalised medicine.A review of the basic 3D printing methods used in pharmaceutical technologies is conducted. The main types of printed solid dosage forms are examined, along with the primary advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing compared to conventional drug production. Each method is evaluated in terms of working principles, material compatibility, advantages, and limitations.Revealed that stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modelling (FDM), ink-jet printing (IJP), and semi-solid extrusion (SSE) are the most suitable 3D printing processes for producing pharmaceutical products. The combination of two methods ensures better results, as illustrated by examples of the main types of printed solid dosage forms.The 3D printing technologies for production of pharmaceutical products present several limitations such as: uneven geometries and porous structures, necessitating the fabrication of larger and irregular dosage forms to ensure the required drug load for the patient; degradation of thermolabile drugs during FDM process; increased hardness of FDM produced tablets impairing drug release.The advanced 3D printing technologies offer the ability to produce new formulations easily through simple design modifications in software, compared to conventional manufacturing. They enable the design of flexible formulations with complex release profiles and the personalised production of dosage forms tailored to individual patients.3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology in pharmaceutical manufacturing, enabling the production of personalised dosage forms with precise drug loading, tailored release profiles, and complex geometries. The review not only summarises the main applicable techniques but also highlights the most recommended methods for personalised pharmacotherapy. The versatility and adaptability of 3D printing provide promising solutions for personalised therapy, emergency drug manufacturing, and enhanced patient compliance, marking a significant step toward decentralised, digital pharmaceutical production.</ns3:p>