A REVIEW ARTICLE OF 3D PRINTING DESIGN IN PHARMACEUTICALS SCIENCES AND ITS RESEARCH MANAGEMENT

The advent of three-dimensional (3D) printing, or additive manufacturing, has revolutionized various industries, and its integration into pharmaceutical sciences is rapidly transforming drug development and manufacturing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of 3D printing technologies and their diverse applications within the pharmaceutical sector. We discuss various printing techniques, including fused deposition modelling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), and inkjet printing, highlighting their unique advantages and limitations for drug formulation. Key applications explored include the fabrication of personalized medicines with tailored dosages and release profiles, multi-drug polypills, orally disintegrating films, and implants. Furthermore, the review delves into the potential of 3D printing for creating complex drug delivery systems, such as sustained-release matrices and targeted delivery devices. We also examine its utility in developing novel excipients, optimizing pre-clinical drug testing through organ-on-a-chip models, and accelerating pharmaceutical research and development. Challenges such as regulatory hurdles, material compatibility, and scalability are addressed, alongside future perspectives on the widespread adoption and transformative impact of 3D printing on precision medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing.