Emerging Trends in the Integration of Nanotechnology and 3D Printing for Next-Generation Drug Delivery Systems

OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive overview of three-dimensional (3D) printing as an emerging manufacturing approach in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, with a focus on its role in developing advanced and personalized drug delivery systems. SIGNIFICANCE OF REVIEW: 3D printing offers significant advantages over conventional manufacturing techniques by facilitating precise control over dosage, geometry, drug release and material composition. The integration of nanomaterials further improves mechanical strength, targeting capability, and therapeutic efficacy, making it highly relevant for patient-mediated healthcare solutions. KEY FINDINGS: In this review, major pharmaceutical 3D printing technologies, including inkjet printing, fused deposition modelling, stereolithography, binder jetting, and extrusion-based systems, are discussed. The applications of 3D printing technology are related to drug delivery, transdermal systems, biomedical implants, tissue engineering, bone regeneration, mucosal delivery, and microelectronic medicine. Recent advancements demonstrate the potential of nanoparticle-loaded scaffolds, smart responsive materials, microneedles, polypills, and personalised drug delivery platforms. Emerging clinical applications also indicate utility in surgical planning and patient-specific medical devices. However, challenges such as limited availability of excipients, scale-up constraints, regulatory uncertainties, drug stability concerns, and low production throughput persist. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing is rapidly advancing as a transformative platform in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Continued advancements in material science, printing precision, artificial intelligence-driven design and regulatory harmonisation are expected to overcome existing limitations, enabling the development of safer, more effective and highly customised therapeutic solutions.