Revolutionary Advances in 3D Printing for CNS Drug Delivery

Enhancing Oral Drug Delivery Systems with 3D Printing Technology

The advent of 3d printing has revolutionized the production of oral medications, particularly in the realm of CNS disorders. Traditional manufacturing methods often fall short in meeting the diverse needs of patients, especially those suffering from chronic conditions that require complex medication regimens. The ability to customize drug dosages, release rates, and physical forms through 3D printing provides a significant advantage over conventional methods.

For instance, 3D printing enables the creation of orodispersible films, caplets, and multi-compartmental tablets that can accommodate multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a single dosage form. This customization not only improves patient compliance but also enhances the bioavailability of drugs, ensuring that they reach their intended targets effectively (Paipa-Jabre-Cantu et al., 2025).

Key Applications of 3D Printing in Treating CNS Disorders

The application of 3D printing in the treatment of CNS disorders is wide-ranging. Recent studies have shown promising results in developing personalized medications for conditions such as:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Depression and Anxiety Disorders

By enabling precise control over the release of medications and allowing for the creation of complex geometric shapes, 3D printing addresses the specific therapeutic needs of patients. For example, medications for epilepsy require rapid absorption rates, while those for depression might need sustained release over a longer duration.

Materials and Techniques Used in 3D Printed Medications

The materials utilized in 3D printing for pharmaceuticals are crucial for the success of these innovative delivery systems. Commonly used materials include thermoplastic polymers such as Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), and Polycaprolactone (PCL). Each of these materials has unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications in CNS drug delivery.

• PLA is biodegradable and offers good mechanical properties, making it ideal for various pharmaceutical applications.
• PVA is hydrophilic, which enhances the dissolution and absorption characteristics of orally administered drugs.
• PCL is known for its slow degradation rate, making it suitable for sustained-release formulations.

Popular 3D Printing Techniques

1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): This is the most widely used technique in pharmaceutical 3D printing. It involves extruding thermoplastic materials layer by layer to create complex structures.

2. Stereolithography (SLA): This technique uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid parts, allowing for intricate designs and high precision.

3. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): In SLS, powdered materials are selectively fused using a laser, creating robust and functional designs.

4. Semi-Solid Extrusion (SSE): SSE allows for the printing of high-viscosity pastes, which can incorporate a higher load of active ingredients.

Each of these techniques has its advantages and limitations, making it essential to choose the appropriate one based on the specific requirements of the drug formulation and intended application (Paipa-Jabre-Cantu et al., 2025).

Future Directions for 3D Printing in Pharmaceutical Innovations

As research in 3D printing continues to evolve, several future directions are emerging:

• Personalized Medicine: The ability to create tailored medications that meet individual patient needs is a key focus. This includes adjusting dosage forms, shapes, and release profiles based on patient-specific factors.

• Regulatory Frameworks: As the technology becomes more prevalent, there is a pressing need for regulatory guidelines that ensure the safety and efficacy of 3D-printed pharmaceuticals.

• Integration with AI: Incorporating artificial intelligence in the design and manufacturing process can enhance the precision of 3D-printed medications, optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

• Expanded Applications: Continued exploration of 3D printing applications in other areas of medicine, such as oncology and chronic disease management, could further enhance the landscape of personalized healthcare.

The intersection of 3D printing technology and pharmaceutical innovation holds tremendous potential for advancing drug delivery systems, particularly for CNS disorders, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

FAQ

What is 3D printing in pharmaceuticals?

3D printing in pharmaceuticals refers to the use of additive manufacturing techniques to create customized drug delivery systems, allowing for tailored dosages and release profiles.

How does 3D printing enhance oral drug delivery?

3D printing enhances oral drug delivery by enabling the production of complex geometries, personalized dosages, and controlled release mechanisms, improving patient adherence and therapeutic efficacy.

What materials are commonly used in 3D printing for medications?

Common materials include thermoplastic polymers such as PLA, PVA, and PCL, each selected based on their specific properties suitable for drug formulations.

What are the key techniques used in 3D printing pharmaceuticals?

Key techniques include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Semi-Solid Extrusion (SSE), each with its advantages for different applications.

What future developments can we expect in 3D printing for pharmaceuticals?

Future developments may include more personalized medicine approaches, improved regulatory frameworks, integration with AI for precision manufacturing, and broader applications in various medical fields.

References

1. Paipa-Jabre-Cantu, S. I., Rodriguez-Salvador, M., Castillo-Valdez, P. F., & Espeau, P. (2025). Revealing Three-Dimensional Printing Technology Advances for Oral Drug Delivery: Application to Central-Nervous-System-Related Diseases. Pharmaceutics, 17(4), 445. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040445
2. Zhang, W., Jin, Y., & Zhou, F. M. (2025). Chronic Fluoxetine Treatment Desensitizes Serotoninergic Inhibition of GABAergic Inputs and Intrinsic Excitability of Dorsal Raphe Serotonin Neurons. Brain Sciences, 15(4), 384. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15040384
3. Bee, V. L., Kennedy, T. J., Maccallum, F., Ross, M., Harvey, R., Rossell, S. L., … & Neale, R. E. (2025). Psilocybin-Assisted suppoRtive psychoTherapy IN the treatment of prolonged Grief (PARTING) trial: protocol for an open-label pilot trial for cancer-related bereavement. BMJ Open, 16(9), e095992. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-095992
4. Maximo, J., Nelson, E., Kraguljac, N., Patton, R., Bashir, A., & Lahti, A. (2025). Changes in glutamate levels in anterior cingulate cortex following 16 weeks of antipsychotic treatment in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode psychosis patients. Psychological Medicine, 53(4), 184. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291724003386