ABSTRACT
Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an innovative manufacturing technique in which three-dimensional objects are made by depositing layer by layer under computer control. These objects can be of any geometry. 3D was developed in the 1980s and the technique has various applications in architecture, pharmaceutics, and medicines.
Aim: The utilisation of 3D printing into the pharmaceutical industry mainly aims to develop patient-centred dosage forms based on structure design. 3D gives a new research direction with potential to access the impact on the pharmaceutical sector.
Methods: The traditional manufacturing methods involve milling, mixing, and compression that can result in low quality of final product in terms of drug release and stability. To overcome this, 3D printing in pharmaceutics has been used to produce dosage form of various sizes, strength, combination, and release characteristics. This review presents the most commonly used 3D technologies such as fused deposition modelling, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, inkjet printing with their advantages disadvantages, and requirement of polymers and drug for successful printing.
Conclusion: 3D technique is growing very rapidly and it is going to change our way of living. 3D will be the future of the pharmaceutical sector to produce a solid dosage form on demand at lower cost.
