Recent advances in inkjet dispensing technologies: applications in drug discovery.
BACKGROUND
Inkjet dispensing technology is a promising fabrication methodology widely applied in drug discovery. The automated programmable characteristics and high-throughput efficiency makes this approach potentially very useful in miniaturizing the design patterns for assays and drug screening. Various custom-made inkjet dispensing systems as well as specialized bio-ink and substrates have been developed and applied to fulfill the increasing demands of basic drug discovery studies. The incorporation of other modern technologies has further exploited the potential of inkjet dispensing technology in drug discovery and development.


METHODS
This paper reviews and discusses the recent developments and practical applications of inkjet dispensing technology in several areas of drug discovery and development including fundamental assays of cells and proteins, microarrays, biosensors, tissue engineering, basic biological and pharmaceutical studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Progression in a number of areas of research including biomaterials, inkjet mechanical systems and modern analytical techniques as well as the exploration and accumulation of profound biological knowledge has enabled different inkjet dispensing technologies to be developed and adapted for high-throughput pattern fabrication and miniaturization. This in turn presents a great opportunity to propel inkjet dispensing technology into drug discovery.
Zhejiang University, Institute of Biological Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou 310027, China.
Xiangcheng
X
Zhu
Qiang
Q
Zheng
Hu
H
Yang
Jin
J
Cai
Lei
L
Huang
Yanwen
Y
Duan
Zhinan
Z
Xu
Peilin
P
Cen
D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008904:Miniaturization / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000592:standards
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations