Abstract

Background: In the last decades, 3D-printing has been investigated and used intensively in the field of tissue engineering, automotive and aerospace. With the first FDA approved printed medicinal product in 2015, the research on 3D-printing for pharmaceutical application has attracted the attention of pharmaceutical scientists. Due to its potential of fabricating complex structures and geometrics, it is a highly promising technology for manufacturing individualized dosage forms. In addition, it enables the fabrication of dosage forms with tailored drug release profiles.

Objective: The aim of this review article is to give a comprehensive overview of the used 3D-printing techniques for pharmaceutical applications, including information about the required material, advantages and disadvantages of the respective technique.

Methods: For the literature research, relevant keywords were identified and the literature was then thoroughly researched.

Conclusion: The current status of 3D-printing as a manufacturing process for pharmaceutical dosage forms was highlighted in this review article. Moreover, this article presents a critical evaluation of 3D-printing to control the dose and drug release of printed dosage forms.

Keywords: 3D-printing, drop-on-solid, pressure-assisted microsyringe, fused filament fabrication, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, drug release control, individualized medicine.