3D printing in pharmaceutical technology with pharmaceutical applications, challenges and future aspects

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has emerged as a transformative technology in the pharmaceutical field, enabling the precise fabrication of dosage forms through a layer-by-layer approach. Over the past three decades, it has evolved from a prototyping tool into a promising platform for personalized medicine and advanced drug delivery systems. 

3D printing allows for the customization of drug dosage, geometry, and release profiles, offering solutions for patient-specific treatment, especially in paediatrics, geriatrics, and complex diseases. Various printing techniques—including Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Semi-Solid Extrusion (SSE), and Inkjet Printing—enable the fabrication of oral tablets, implants, microneedles, and biomedical devices with controlled release characteristics. Despite these advantages, challenges persist related to the selection of suitable pharmaceutical-grade excipients, mechanical strength, regulatory approval, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance.Future perspectives include integrating 3D printing with nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and bioprinting for on-demand drug manufacturing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Overall, 3D printing holds immense potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by facilitating personalized, cost-effective, and sustainable drug development tailored to individual patient needs.