3D printing represents a cutting-edge approach for fabricating three-dimensional structures through the layer-by-layer deposition of materials guided by computer software. Its integration into the pharmaceutical field is driven by its transformative capacity to produce customized dosage forms tailored to individual patient requirements, as it allows for the fabrication of products in diverse sizes and geometries. A key benefit of personalized 3D-printed tablets lies in their ability to incorporate multiple active ingredients within a single dosage unit, thereby minimizing the number of daily medications, reducing dosing frequency, and enhancing treatment adherence. Moreover, this technology enables the manufacturing of limited or patient-specific batches, offering flexibility in drug production. However, several technical obstacles must be addressed before 3D printing can achieve broad implementation in pharmacy. Currently, five principal 3D printing methods are utilized in pharmaceutical research and development: powder bed printing, selective laser sintering, stereolithography, extrusion-based printing, and electrohydrodynamic 3D printing. This review explores the progress, research emphasis, and future potential of each of these technologies.
