Advances of 3D printing technology in advanced pharmaceutical preparations

3D printing is rapidly developing in various areas of science and technology. Owing to its advantages such as simplicity, flexibility, reproducibility and suitability, 3D printing technology is utilized in the field of advanced pharmaceutical preparations. The literatures are mainly related to the formulations with a variety of release mechanism, including conventional-release formulations, controlled-release formulations, implants and compound preparations. Herein the latest 3D printing technology in the advanced preparations is presented and the related developing trends and challenges are also addressed.