Combining innovation and sustainable development in the 3D printing manufacturing of drug delivery and testing devices

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing (3DP), has made a significant impact on both manufacturing and healthcare, revolutionizing these industries. The key advantage of 3DP lies in rapid prototyping, which accelerates product development and iteration while reducing costs. This technology offers unmatched customization, particularly in the medical field, where it enables the creation of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients. In manufacturing, 3DP reduces material waste, promoting sustainability, while enhancing production efficiency by simplifying assembly processes and reducing supply chain complexity. Additionally, the decentralized nature of 3DP fosters creativity and accessibility, allowing individuals and businesses to innovate at a local level.

This review highlights the wide-ranging applications of 3DP in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, from device prototyping to developing quality control systems for medical testing. As 3DP continues to evolve, it holds the potential to transform traditional manufacturing models, improving product quality, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. This progression supports the dual goals of more efficient, cost-effective production and patient-centric healthcare optimization.