3D Printing Technologies in Personalized Medicine, Nanomedicines, and Biopharmaceuticals

Abstract

3D printing technologies enable medicine customization adapted to patients’ needs. There are several 3D printing techniques available, but majority of dosage forms and medical devices are printed using nozzle-based extrusion, laser-writing systems, and powder binder jetting. 3D printing has been demonstrated for a broad range of applications in development and targeting solid, semi-solid, and locally applied or implanted medicines. 3D-printed solid dosage forms allow the combination of one or more drugs within the same solid dosage form to improve patient compliance, facilitate deglutition, tailor the release profile, or fabricate new medicines for which no dosage form is available. Sustained-release 3D-printed implants, stents, and medical devices have been used mainly for joint replacement therapies, medical prostheses, and cardiovascular applications. Locally applied medicines, such as wound dressing, microneedles, and medicated contact lenses, have also been manufactured using 3D printing techniques. The challenge is to select the 3D printing technique most suitable for each application and the type of pharmaceutical ink that should be developed that possesses the required physicochemical and biological performance. The integration of biopharmaceuticals and nanotechnology-based drugs along with 3D printing (“nanoprinting”) brings printed personalized nanomedicines within the most innovative perspectives for the coming years. Continuous manufacturing through the use of 3D-printed microfluidic chips facilitates their translation into clinical practice.

Transdermal Drug Delivery System: Current Status and Clinical Application of Microneedles

“…In comparison to conventional manufacturing methods, 3D printing reduces labor and equipment costs in the production process. Moreover, it optimizes the utilization of raw materials, minimizes waste, and lowers production costs. ,, Additionally, 3D printing technology facilitates customized production of microneedles tailored to individual requirements. , By adjusting design parameters, the shape, size, and structure of microneedles can be easily modified to meet diverse clinical needs. , It also enables the realization of complex structures and integration of multiple functions in microneedles. − By incorporating intricate details and functionalities during the design and printing process, the performance and efficacy of microneedles can be enhanced to cater to a wider range of clinical requirements. Furthermore, the utilization of renewable and biodegradable materials in printing further enhances the sustainability of microneedles while minimizing their environmental impact. , Additionally, as a versatile medical tool, microneedles must be capable of accommodating diverse treatment needs and application scenarios.…”

“…106,108,109 Additionally, 3D printing technology facilitates customized production of microneedles tailored to individual requirements. 110,111 By adjusting design parameters, the shape, size, and structure of microneedles can be easily modified to meet diverse clinical needs. 112,113 It also enables the realization of complex structures and integration of multiple functions in microneedles.…”

(Bio)printing in Personalized Medicine—Opportunities and Potential Benefits

“…3D printing and bioprinting are promising technological progress in various fields of medicine, and this possibility is rising. Indeed, the possibility of personalizing and adapting pharmacological therapies to the individual needs of each patient through 3D printing technologies is an indisputable advantage, which will have a huge impact on the development of personalized medicine [ 122 , 123 ]. However, as to 3D bioprinting of whole organs, the technology is still in its early stage and has a long way to go.…”

Recent advances and future directions of 3D to 6D printing in brain cancer treatment and neural tissue engineering

“…The utilization of 3D and 4D printing to produce implantable devices, such as drug-eluting stents, for the treatment of neurological disorders can be considered. These devices can be designed to release drugs at specific rates and time intervals, providing a more targeted and effective treatment [78]. In this content, Xu et al [79] utilized DLP-based 3D printing (the conduit was incorporated polymeric nanoparticles that release RGFP966, which activates the PI3K-AKT-ERK signal pathway to stimulate Schwann cell remyelination.)…”