Pharmaceutical applications of next generation printing technologies: A brief literature review

Next-generation printing or commonly known as three-dimensional (3D) printing (3DP), is a fabrication process of construction of a 3D object using a computer-aided design or digital 3D model. The 3D object is created layer by layer by depositing, joining, or solidifying a feedstock material such as thermoplastic polymer under the control of a computer-designed program. It is considered the latest technology that has the potential to address complex medical and pharmaceutical problems, such as prototyping essential medical devices, equipment, and novel drug delivery systems. The ability of 3DP to produce medications with accurate specifications tailored to the needs of individual patients has indicated the possibility of developing personalized medicines. The technology allows dosage forms to be precisely printed in various shapes, sizes, and textures, in a limited time period. In spite of many potential medical and economic benefits of 3DP, some technical and regulatory challenges are associated with the widespread application of 3DPin the pharmaceutical sector;those need to be addressed by proper research so that the benefit of this technology can be utilized fully. Along with 3DP, more advanced and sophisticated printing technologies like 4D/5D printing are also introduced and have already been explored in biomedical applications. However, the utility of these technologies in the pharmaceutical drug manufacturing process is still in the early experimental phase and gradually evolving. This review article illustrates the recent trends, challenges, and future prospects of 3D Pin pharmaceutical applications, along with the highlights of the ongoing transition from 3D to 4D/5D printing.