Vat Polymerization 3D Printing for Controlled Drug Release Applications

ABSTRACT Vat polymerization (VP) 3D printing, a light‐based additive manufacturing technique, has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating complex drug delivery systems with high precision and spatial resolution. This layer‐by‐layer manufacturing process enables the creation of intricate geometries and customizable architectures, which are particularly advantageous for controlling drug release profiles to meet patient‐specific therapeutic needs. Its application in drug release systems is gaining traction in both research and clinical domains, especially for producing controlled‐release tablets, implants, and localized drug delivery devices. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the VP process and 3D printing technologies that utilize this process including stereolithography (SLA), digital light projection (DLP), Continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), two‐photon polymerization (2PP), and volumetric VP. Furthermore, common biocompatible and biodegradable materials used in the VP process, some process parameters, and clinically relevant drug delivery applications are discussed. The benefits, drawbacks, and challenges with utilizing VP 3D printing in the drug delivery space are also discussed. Addressing these challenges is essential in advancing the clinical translation of VP 3D printing in controlled drug delivery applications.