Advancements in 3D Printing for Transdermal and Topical Drug Delivery

This article reviews all advances in 3D printing that pertain to topical and transdermal drug delivery systems. Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is a non-invasive drug delivery system through which drug bioavailability can be optimized by repeated release in a manner that circumvents the gastro-intestinal tract. The advantages of this method notwithstanding, it faces problems as it comes under the skin barrier capabilities and erratic delivery of drug. With accurate control on dosages, release profiles and patch geometry, further promising approaches are emerging in the 3D printing field to solve these problems by patient-specific customized patch fabrication. Here is discussed the literature on different printing technologies, types of materials, and 3D printing technologies applied for transdermal applications. Patient compliance, regulatory issues, and scaling-up difficulties are also touched upon in the review. Finally, the prospects of three dimensional printing in drug delivery occupy the conclusion section of the paper: multi-material printing, smart technologies, and personalized medicine, which are expected to translate into significant advancements in therapeutic effectiveness in both clinical and cosmetic applications.