Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a new 3D printing technique that allows for the fabrication of personalised medication using Multi-Material InkJet 3D Printing (MM-IJ3DP). This method enables the printing of tablets with tailored drug release profiles, ensuring more precise and effective treatment options for patients. The tablets can release drugs at a controlled rate, determined by the tablet’s design, thanks to a novel ink formulation based on molecules that are sensitive to ultraviolet light.
The ability to print multiple drugs in a single tablet allows for complex medication regimens to be simplified into a single dose. This breakthrough in drug delivery has the potential to revolutionize the way medications are administered and opens up new possibilities for personalised medicine. The research team, led by Dr Yinfeng He, is working on refining the technology by developing more formulations that support a wider range of materials, with the goal of making this technology more widely applicable.
One of the key advantages of this technology is the ability to create medication that releases drugs at specific times, making it ideal for treating diseases where timing and dosage accuracy are crucial. The scalability of the technology is demonstrated by the ability to print 56 pills in a single batch, highlighting the potential for the mass production of personalised medicines. Professor Felicity Rose, co-author of the research, emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach to medication, as up to 50% of people in the UK alone do not take their medicines correctly, leading to poor health outcomes.
The research published in Materials Today Advances highlights the promising future of personalised medication and the potential of 3D printing in drug delivery. The technology faces challenges, such as the need for more formulations to support a wider range of materials, but ongoing research aims to address these issues. Professor Ricky Wildman acknowledges the potential of MM-IJ3DP for widespread application and the need for continued refinement to enhance its feasibility.
Overall, the development of this new 3D printing technique for medication manufacturing represents a significant step forward in the field of drug delivery. The ability to print personalized tablets with tailored drug release profiles has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients by providing more precise and effective medications. With ongoing research and development, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry and improve the way medications are administered to patients.