title: Printing technologies in fabrication of drug delivery systems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There has been increased activity in the field recently regarding the development and research on various printing techniques in fabrication of dosage forms and drug delivery systems. These technologies may offer benefits and flexibility in manufacturing, potentially paving the way for personalized dosing and tailor-made dosage forms.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, the most recent observations and advancements in fabrication of drug delivery systems by utilizing printing technologies are summarized. A general overview of 2D printing techniques is presented including a review of the most recent literature where printing techniques are used in fabrication of drug delivery systems. The future perspectives and possible impacts on formulation strategies, flexible dosing and personalized medication of using printing techniques for fabrication of drug delivery systems are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is evident that there is an urgent need to meet the challenges of rapidly growing trend of personalization of medicines through development of flexible drug-manufacturing approaches. In this context, various printing technologies, such as inkjet and flexography, can play an important role. Challenges on different levels exist and include: i) technological development of printers and production lines; ii) printable formulations and carrier substrates; iii) quality control and characterization; and iv) regulatory perspectives.
authors.affiliation: Åbo Akademi University, Department of Biosciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory , Tykistökatu 6 A, Turku, 20520 , Finland niklas.sandler@abo.fi.
authors.forename: Ruzica
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kolakovic
authors.forename: Tapani
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Viitala
authors.forename: Petri
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ihalainen
authors.forename: Natalja
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Genina
authors.forename: Jouko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peltonen
authors.forename: Niklas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sandler
mesh_terms: D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D011327:Printing / Q000379:methods*; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations