Overview of Pharmaceutical 3D Printing Technologies

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse landscape of pharmaceutical 3D printing technologies. Covering a range of approaches including powder-based, extrusion-based and photopolymerisation methods, this review highlights the distinctive attributes, advantages and challenges associated with each technique. It delves into their applications in drug formulation, personalised medicine and dosage form customisation. As can be seen in this chapter, every 3DP technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. The properties of the drug can influence the choice of the technique. However, the technique chosen influences the properties of the formulation needed to be printable and additionally determines the dosage forms that are possible. By synthesising these insights, Chap. 1 offers a holistic perspective on the evolving field of pharmaceutical 3D printing technologies, showcasing their potential to reshape drug manufacturing and patient-centric healthcare approaches.