Intervention of 3D printing in health care: transformation for sustainable development

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Three-dimensional (3D) technology is the practice of dropping material layer-by-layer in the construction of the desired object. The application of the 3D printing technique has been observed in miscellaneous domains. Personalized medicine becomes the most demanding trend in the health-care segment. Several advancements have been observed in the progress of 3D printing. However, the availability of finished products in the marketplace is very less. There is an utmost requirement to improve the knowledge and skills in the sustainable development of pharmaceutical and medical products by selecting suitable techniques and materials.

Areas covered

This article covers the fundamental process of 3D printing, types, pharmaceutical-medical application, benefits, and challenges.

Expert opinion

This technology is capable of designing the complex geometry of an organ. It is feasible to produce drug products by incorporating multiple drugs in various compartments in such a fashion that these drugs can release from the compartment at a predetermined rate. Additionally, this 3D process has the potential to revolutionize personalized therapy to different age-groups through design flexibility and accurate dosing. In the upcoming years, the potential application of this technology can be seen in a clinical setting where patients will get individualized medicine as per their needs.

KEYWORDS:

• 3D printing
• pharmaceutics
• medical
• benefits
• challenges
• application
• formulation design

Article highlights

• 3D printing allows fabricating body parts or dosage forms as per need.

• All 3D printing processes have a common process pathway in the fabrication of the desired shape.

• Based on the material used, 3D processes are classified into three categories: solid, liquid, and powder.

• The selection of materials in the 3D process is crucial. This selection mainly depends on the type of process and printer used.

• This technology is transforming the medicine exercise through the production of rapid prototypes.

• In the future, safe and GMP compliance dispensing stations can be installed locally in a clinical setting like a pharmacy, hospital, or any health-care center for personalized medicine.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.