title: 3D-printing and the effect on medical costs: a new era?
abstract: 3D-printing (3DP) is the art and science of printing in a new dimension using 3D printers to transform 3D computer aided designs (CAD) into life-changing products. This includes the design of more effective and patient-friendly pharmaceutical products as well as bio-inspired medical devices. It is poised as the next technology revolution for the pharmaceutical and medical-device industries. After decorous implementation scientists in collaboration with CAD designers have produced innovative medical devices ranging from pharmaceutical tablets to surgical transplants of the human face and skull, spinal implants, prosthetics, human organs and other biomaterials. While 3DP may be cost-efficient, a limitation exists in the availability of 3D printable biomaterials for most applications. In addition, the loss of skilled labor in producing medical devices such as prosthetics and other devices may affect developing economies. This review objectively explores the potential growth and impact of 3DP costs in the medical industry.
authors.affiliation: a Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , 7 York Road, Parktown 2193 , South Africa.
authors.forename: Yahya E
authors.initials: YE
authors.lastname: Choonara
authors.affiliation: a Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , 7 York Road, Parktown 2193 , South Africa.
authors.forename: Lisa C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: du Toit
authors.affiliation: a Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , 7 York Road, Parktown 2193 , South Africa.
authors.forename: Pradeep
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: a Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , 7 York Road, Parktown 2193 , South Africa.
authors.forename: Pierre P D
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Kondiah
authors.affiliation: a Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , 7 York Road, Parktown 2193 , South Africa.
authors.forename: Viness
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pillay
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D004867:Equipment Design; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000191:economics; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
keywords: 3D-printing; additive manufacturing; bioprinting; biotechnology; developing economies; innovative healthcare; medical costs; medical device; pharmaceuticals; virtual pharmacies