Background:
Personalized medicines are becoming more popular as they enable the use of patient’s
genomics and hence help in better drug design with fewer side effects. In fact, several doses can be combined into
one dosage form which suits the patient’s demography. 3 Dimensional (3D) printing technology for personalized
medicine is a modern day treatment method based on genomics of patient.
Methods:
3D printing technology uses digitally controlled devices for formulating API and excipients in a layer
by layer pattern for developing a suitable personalized drug delivery system as per the need of patient. It includes
various techniques like inkjet printing, fused deposition modelling which can further be classified into continuous
inkjet system and drop on demand. In order to formulate such dosage forms, scientists have used various polymers
to enhance their acceptance as well as therapeutic efficacy. Polymers like polyvinyl alcohol, poly (lactic
acid) (PLA), poly (caprolactone) (PCL) etc can be used during manufacturing.
Results:
Varying number of dosage forms can be produced using 3D printing technology including immediate
release tablets, pulsatile release tablets, and transdermal dosage forms etc. The 3D printing technology can be
explored successfully to develop personalized medicines which could play a vital role in the treatment of lifethreatening
diseases. Particularly, for patients taking multiple medicines, 3D printing method could be explored to
design a single dosage in which various drugs can be incorporated. Further 3D printing based personalized drug
delivery system could also be investigated in chemotherapy of cancer patients with the added advantage of the
reduction in adverse effects.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have reviewed 3D printing technology and its uses in personalized medicine.
Further, we also discussed the different techniques and materials used in drug delivery based on 3D printing along
with various applications of the technology.