3D printing of a wearable personalized oral delivery device: A first-in-human study

Suitably Incorporated Hydrophobic, Redox-Active Drug in Poly Lactic Acid-Graphene Nanoplatelet Composite Generates 3D-Printed Medicinal Patch for Electrostimulatory Therapeutics

Polymer carbon composites have been reported for improved mechanical, thermal and electrical properties to provide reduced side effect by 3D printing personalized biomedical drug delivery devices. But control on homogeneity in loading and release of dopants like carbon allotropes and drugs, respectively, in the bulk and on the surface has always been a challenge. Herein, we are reporting a methodological cascade to achieve a model, customizable, 3D printed, homogeneously layered and electrically stimulatory, PLA-Graphene nanoplatelet (hl-PLGR) based drug delivery device, called 3D-est-MediPatch. The medicinal patch has been prepared by 3D-printing a Nic-hl-PLGR composite obtained by incorporating a redox active model drug, niclosamide (Nic) in hl-PLGR. The composite of Nic-hl-PLGR was characterized in three sequentially complex forms─composite film, hot melt extruded (HME) filament, and 3D printed (3DP) patches to understand the effect of filament extrusion and 3D-printing processes on Nic-hl-PLGR composite and overall drug incorporation efficiency and control. The incorporation of graphene was found to improve the homogeneity of the drug, and the hot melt extrusion improved the dispersion of drug and graphene fillers in the composite. The electroresponsive drug release from the Nic-hl-PLGR composite was found to be controllably accelerated compared to the drug release by diffusion, in simulated buffer condition. The released drug concentration was found to reach within the IC50 range for malignant melanoma cell (A375) and showed in vitro selectively, with reduced effects in noncancerous, fibroblast cells (NIH3T3). Further, the feasibility of application for this system was assessed in generating personalized 3D-est-MediPatch for skin, liver and spleen tissues in ex-vivo scenario. It showed excellent feasibility and efficacy of the 3D-est-MediPatch in controlled and personalized release of drugs during electrostimulation. Thus, a model platform, 3D-est-MediPatch, could be achieved by suitably incorporating a hydrophobic, redox-active drug (niclosamide) in poly lactic acid-graphene nanoplatelet composite for electrostimulatory therapeutics with reduced side effects.

Perspectives on 3D printed personalized medicines for pediatrics

In recent years, the rapid advancement of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has yielded distinct benefits across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry has particularly experienced advantages from the utilization of 3D-printed medications, which have invigorated the development of tailored drug formulations. The approval of 3D-printed drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly propelled personalized drug delivery. Additionally, 3D printing technology can accommodate the precise requirements of pediatric drug dosages and the complexities of multiple drug combinations. This review specifically concentrates on the application of 3D printing technology in pediatric preparations, encompassing a broad spectrum of uses and refined pediatric formulations. It compiles and evaluates the fundamental principles associated with the application of 3D printing technology in pediatric preparations, including its merits and demerits, and anticipates its future progression. The objective is to furnish theoretical underpinning for 3D printing technology to facilitate personalized drug delivery in pediatrics and to advocate for its implementation in clinical settings.

Intraoral medical devices for sustained drug delivery

OBJECTIVES

The oral cavity constitutes an attractive organ for the local and systemic application of drug substances. Oromucosal tablets, gels, or sprays are examples of the formulations applied. Due to the elution through the saliva, the residence time of the formulation at the application site is relatively short. Medical devices placed in the oral cavity, with a reservoir for an active substance, play an important role in solving this problem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this review, we discuss the devices described in the literature that are designed to be used in the oral cavity, highlighting the advantages, disadvantages, and clinical applications of each of them.

RESULTS

Among the intraoral medical devices, special types are personalized 3D-printed devices, iontophoretic devices, and microneedle patches.

CONCLUSION

We anticipate that with the development of 3D printing and new polymers, the technology of flexible and comfortable devices for prolonged drug delivery in the oral cavity will develop intensively.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The presented review is therefore a useful summary of the current technological state, when in fact none of the existing devices has been widely accepted clinically.

Intelligent Vascularized 3D/4D/5D/6D-Printed Tissue Scaffolds

Blood vessels are essential for nutrient and oxygen delivery and waste removal. Scaffold-repairing materials with functional vascular networks are widely used in bone tissue engineering. Additive manufacturing is a manufacturing technology that creates three-dimensional solids by stacking substances layer by layer, mainly including but not limited to 3D printing, but also 4D printing, 5D printing and 6D printing. It can be effectively combined with vascularization to meet the needs of vascularized tissue scaffolds by precisely tuning the mechanical structure and biological properties of smart vascular scaffolds. Herein, the development of neovascularization to vascularization to bone tissue engineering is systematically discussed in terms of the importance of vascularization to the tissue. Additionally, the research progress and future prospects of vascularized 3D printed scaffold materials are highlighted and presented in four categories: functional vascularized 3D printed scaffolds, cell-based vascularized 3D printed scaffolds, vascularized 3D printed scaffolds loaded with specific carriers and bionic vascularized 3D printed scaffolds. Finally, a brief review of vascularized additive manufacturing-tissue scaffolds in related tissues such as the vascular tissue engineering, cardiovascular system, skeletal muscle, soft tissue and a discussion of the challenges and development efforts leading to significant advances in intelligent vascularized tissue regeneration is presented.

Fluoride Release and Rechargeability of Poly(lactic acid) Composites with Glass Ionomer Cement

This study investigates the fluoride release, rechargeability and degradation behaviors of newly developed anticariogenic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. The PLA composite with various concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight) of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and sodium fluoride (NaF) were prepared using solvent casting method. The fluoride release, fluoride rechargeability and degradation behavior were evaluated. All experimental groups demonstrated fluoride-releasing ability. The highest level of fluoride ions released was found in PLA composite with sodium fluoride (PLA/NaF). Following the 28-day period, both groups showed a gradual reduction in fluoride ion released, ranging between 0.03 ± 0.01 and 0.53 ± 0.06 ppm, although remaining within the effective range for tooth remineralization. However, the rechargeability was only observed in PLA composite with GIC (PLA/GIC). Following an eight-week in vitro degradation test, all PLA/NaF groups displayed a significantly higher percentage of weight change and water absorption compared to the PLA/GIC and the control group. In SEM analysis, the formation of surface porosities was clearly noticed in all PLA/NaF. All specimens retained their structural integrity throughout the study. In conclusion, the newly developed PLA/GIC displays promising possibilities as an anticariogenic material. Furthermore, the rechargeability of these ions are repeatable, ensuring their long-term utility.

Self-Standing 3D-Printed PEGDA-PANIs Electroconductive Hydrogel Composites for pH Monitoring

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing processes, is introducing new possibilities in electronic, biomedical, sensor-designing, and wearable technologies. In this context, the present work focuses on the development of flexible 3D-printed polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)- sulfonated polyaniline (PANIs) electrically conductive hydrogels (ECHs) for pH-monitoring applications. PEGDA platforms are 3D printed by a stereolithography (SLA) approach. Here, we report the successful realization of PEGDA-PANIs electroconductive hydrogel (ECH) composites produced by an in situ chemical oxidative co-polymerization of aniline (ANI) and aniline 2-sulfonic acid (ANIs) monomers at a 1:1 equimolar ratio in acidic medium. The morphological and functional properties of PEGDA-PANIs are compared to those of PEGDA-PANI composites by coupling SEM, swelling degree, I-V, and electro-chemo-mechanical analyses. The differences are discussed as a function of morphological, structural, and charge transfer/transport properties of the respective PANIs and PANI filler. Our investigation showed that the electrochemical activity of PANIs allows for the exploitation of the PEGDA-PANIs composite as an electrode material for pH monitoring in a linear range compatible with that of most biofluids. This feature, combined with the superior electromechanical behavior, swelling capacity, and water retention properties, makes PEGDA-PANIs hydrogel a promising active material for developing advanced biomedical, soft tissue, and biocompatible electronic applications.

Practical Application of 3D Printing for Pharmaceuticals in Hospitals and Pharmacies

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an unrivaled technique that uses computer-aided design and programming to create 3D products by stacking materials on a substrate. Today, 3D printing technology is used in the whole drug development process, from preclinical research to clinical trials to frontline medical treatment. From 2009 to 2020, the number of research articles on 3D printing in healthcare applications surged from around 10 to 2000. Three-dimensional printing technology has been applied to several kinds of drug delivery systems, such as oral controlled release systems, micropills, microchips, implants, microneedles, rapid dissolving tablets, and multiphase release dosage forms. Compared with conventional manufacturing methods of pharmaceutical products, 3D printing has many advantages, including high production rates due to the flexible operating systems and high drug loading with the desired precision and accuracy for potent drugs administered in small doses. The cost of production via 3D printing can be decreased by reducing material wastage, and the process can be adapted to multiple classes of pharmaceutically active ingredients, including those with poor solubility. Although several studies have addressed the benefits of 3D printing technology, hospitals and pharmacies have only implemented this process for a small number of practical applications. This article discusses recent 3D printing applications in hospitals and pharmacies for medicinal preparation. The article also covers the potential future applications of 3D printing in pharmaceuticals.

Study and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Formulations for 3D Printlets Obtained via Fused Deposition Modeling

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a new promising technique for the production of personalized dosage forms and medical devices. Polyvinyl alcohol is prominently used as a source material to produce 3D-printed medicines via fused deposition modeling (FDM)-a technology that combines hot melt extrusion and 3D printing. A preliminary screening of three grades of PVA indicated that partially hydrolyzed PVA with a molecular weight (MW) of 31,000-50,000 and plasticized with sorbitol was most suitable for 3D printing. Paracetamol was used as a model drug. The materials and the produced filaments were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The complex viscosity (η*) of the polymer melts was determined as a function of the angular frequency (ω) at the printing temperature to assess their printability. Three-dimensional printlets with a 40% infill exhibited an immediate release of the API, while tablets with a higher infill were prone to a prolonged release regardless of the filament drug loading. A factorial design was used to give more insight into the influence of the drug-loading of the filaments and the tablet infill as independent variables on the production of 3D printlets. The Pareto chart confirmed that the infill had a statistically significant effect on the dissolution rate after 45 min, which was chosen as the response variable.

Influence of formulation variables on the processability and properties of tablets manufactured by fused deposition modelling

The present work studied the influence of different formulation variables (defined also as factors), namely, different polymers (HPC EF, PVA and HPMC-AS LG), drugs with different water solubilities (paracetamol, hydrochlorothiazide and celecoxib) and drug loads (10 or 30 %) on their processability by HME and FDM. Both filaments and tablets were characterized for physic and chemical properties (DSC, XRPD, FTIR) and performance properties (drug content, in vitro drug release). Experiments were designed to highlight relationships between the 3 factors selected and the mechanical properties of filaments, tablet mass and dissolution profiles of the model drugs from printed tablets. While the combination of hydrochlorothiazide and HPMC-AS LG could not be extruded, the combination of paracetamol with HPC EF turned the filaments too ductile and not stiff enough hampering the process of printing. All other polymer and drug combinations could be successfully extruded and printed. Models reflected the influence of the solubility of the drug considered but not the drug load in formulations. The ranking of the drug release rates was in good agreement with their solubilities. Furthermore, PVA presenting the fastest swelling rate, promoted the fastest drugs' releases in comparison with the other polymers studied. Overall, the study enabled the identification of the key factors affecting the properties of printed tablets, with the proposal of a model that has valued the relative contribution of each factor to the overall performance of tablets.

Disinfection and Isotonic Drinks' Influence on Hardness and Color Stability of Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate Copolymer Mouthguards Used in Martial Arts: An In Vitro Study

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the hardness and color change of an ethylene-vinyl-acetate copolymer (EVA) material for mouthguards after exposition to different cleaning agent solutions and isotonic drinks. Four hundred samples were prepared and divided into four equinumerous groups (n = 100), in which there were 25 samples from each color of EVA (red, green, blue and white). The hardness, using the digital durometer, and the color coordinates (CIE L*a*b*), using the digital colorimeter, were measured before the first exposition and after 3 months of exposition to spray disinfection and incubation in the oral cavity temperature, or immersion in isotonic drinks. The values of Shore A hardness (HA) and color change (ΔE-calculated by Euclidean distance) were statistically analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, multiple comparison ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis and appropriate post-hoc tests. Statistically significant changes in color and hardness between the tested groups were demonstrated after the use of agents predestined for disinfecting the surface of mouthguards on the tested samples. There were no statistically significant differences in color and hardness between the groups immersed in isotonic sport drinks potentially consumed by competitors practicing combat sports using mouthguards. Despite the changes in color and hardness after the use of disinfectants, the deviations were minor and limited to specific colors of the EVA plates. The intake of isotonic drinks practically did not change either the color or the hardness of the samples, regardless of the tested color of the EVA plates.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Polymeric Materials for Possible Application in Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are used in various sports disciplines as a protection for teeth, temporomandibular joints, and soft tissues of the oral cavity from impact forces. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the mechanical properties of flexible polymeric 3D-printable materials and to select a material with the most favourable physical properties for making intraoral protectors. Four 3D-printable polymeric materials were selected for the evaluation: IMPRIMO LC IBT (Scheu-Dental, Iserlohn, Germany), Keyortho IBT (EnvisionTEC, Gladbeck, Germany), IBT (Formlabs, Somerville, MA, USA), and Ortho IBT (NextDent, Utrecht, Netherlands). A total of 176 samples (44 from each material) was 3D-printed using the stereolitography (SLA) technique. Tensile strength, flexural strength, notch-toughness, Shore hardness, sorption, and solubility tests were conducted. The materials were compared using a series of analyses of variance (one-way ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Statistical analyses were performed with the use of IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0.0 software (IBM, New York, NY, USA). Each material was assigned a score from 1 to 4 depending on the individual test results, and tests were given indexes according to the significance of the parameter in the mouthguard protective function. The number of points obtained by each material in each test was then multiplied by the test index, and the results were tabulated. The material with the highest result among the ones studied-most suitable for the application in mouthguard fabrication-was Keyortho IBT from EnvisionTEC.

3D printing: Innovative solutions for patients and pharmaceutical industry

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology with great potential in pharmaceutical applications, providing innovative solutions for both patients and pharmaceutical industry. This technology offers precise construction of the structure of dosage forms and can benefit drug product design by providing versatile release modes to meet clinical needs and facilitating patient-centric treatment, such as personalized dosing, accommodate treatment of specific disease states or patient populations. Utilization of 3D printing also facilitates digital drug product development and manufacturing. Development of 3D printing at early clinical stages and commercial scale pharmaceutical manufacturing has substantially advanced in recent years. In this review, we discuss how 3D printing accelerates early-stage drug development, including pre-clinical research and early phase human studies, and facilitates late-stage product manufacturing as well as how the technology can benefit patients. The advantages, current status, and challenges of employing 3D printing in large scale manufacturing and personalized dosing are introduced respectively. The considerations and efforts of regulatory agencies to address 3D printing technology are also discussed.

3D printing of a controlled urea delivery device for the prevention of tooth decay

Dental caries is one of the most widespread chronic infectious diseases in the world. It is mainly caused by the production of acid in the biofilm from the bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates. Nowadays, the prevention of caries is mainly based on the use of topical formulations containing fluoride. However, effective fluoride supplementation may not be sufficient in high-risk individuals, leading to the exploration of alternative strategies such as the neutralization of acid in the oral cavity. Urea is hydrolyzed into ammonia by oral bacteria, leading to a local alkalization that may counteract tooth decay. Herein, we report the fabrication of 3D printed personalized dental trays with a local and prolonged release of urea. Composite filaments with tunable urea release kinetics were produced by hot melt extrusion of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(vinyl alcohol) or poly(ethylene glycol) blends mixed with urea. The filaments were further used to 3D print by fused deposition modeling objects capable of releasing urea in a sustained and spatially controlled manner. In vitro studies performed in the presence of Streptococcus salivarius demonstrated the ability of urea released from a 3D printed model toothguards to reduce the pH drop induced by carbohydrates. This study showed the potential of urea-loaded devices to reduce cariogenic acidification of the environment surrounding the enamel by delivering urea directly to the tooth surface.

Volumetric additive manufacturing of pristine silk-based (bio)inks

Volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM) enables fast photopolymerization of three-dimensional constructs by illuminating dynamically evolving light patterns in the entire build volume. However, the lack of bioinks suitable for VAM is a critical limitation. This study reports rapid volumetric (bio)printing of pristine, unmodified silk-based (silk sericin (SS) and silk fibroin (SF)) (bio)inks to form sophisticated shapes and architectures. Of interest, combined with post-fabrication processing, the (bio)printed SS constructs reveal properties including reversible as well as repeated shrinkage and expansion, or shape-memory; whereas the (bio)printed SF constructs exhibit tunable mechanical performances ranging from a few hundred Pa to hundreds of MPa. Both types of silk-based (bio)inks are cytocompatible. This work supplies expanded bioink libraries for VAM and provides a path forward for rapid volumetric manufacturing of silk constructs, towards broadened biomedical applications.

Additive manufacturing technologies with emphasis on stereolithography 3D printing in pharmaceutical and medical applications: A review

Three-dimensional (3D) printing or Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology is an innovative tool with great potential and diverse applications in various fields. As 3D printing has been burgeoning in recent times, a tremendous transformation can be envisaged in medical care, especially the manufacturing procedures leading to personalized medicine. Stereolithography (SLA), a vat-photopolymerization technique, that uses a laser beam, is known for its ability to fabricate complex 3D structures ranging from micron-size needles to life-size organs, because of its high resolution, precision, accuracy, and speed. This review presents a glimpse of varied 3D printing techniques, mainly expounding SLA in terms of the materials used, the orientation of printing, and the working mechanisms. The previous works that focused on developing pharmaceutical dosage forms, drug-eluting devices, and tissue scaffolds are presented in this paper, followed by the challenges associated with SLA from an industrial and regulatory perspective. Due to its excellent advantages, this technology could transform the conventional "one dose fits all" concept to bring digitalized patient-centric medication into reality.

3D-Printed Janus Piezoelectric Patches for Sonodynamic Bacteria Elimination and Wound Healing

Management of infected wounds has raised worldwide concerns. Attempts in this field focus on the development of intelligent patches for improving the wound healing. Here, inspired by the cocktail treatment and combinational therapy stratagem, we present a novel Janus piezoelectric hydrogel patch via 3-dimensional printing for sonodynamic bacteria elimination and wound healing. The top layer of the printed patch was poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogel with gold-nanoparticle-decorated tetragonal barium titanate encapsulation, which realizes the ultrasound-triggered release of reactive oxygen species without leaking nanomaterials. The bottom layer is fabricated with methacrylate gelatin and carries growth factors for the cell proliferation and tissue reconstruction. Based on these features, we have demonstrated in vivo that the Janus piezoelectric hydrogel patch can exert substantial infection elimination activity under the excitation of ultrasound, and its sustained release of growth factors can promote tissue regeneration during wound management. These results indicated that the proposed Janus piezoelectric hydrogel patch had practical significance in sonodynamic infection alleviation and programmable wound healing for treating different clinical diseases.

Accelerating 3D printing of pharmaceutical products using machine learning

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has seen growing interest within the healthcare industry for its ability to fabricate personalized medicines and medical devices. However, it may be burdened by the lengthy empirical process of formulation development. Active research in pharmaceutical 3DP has led to a wealth of data that machine learning could utilize to provide predictions of formulation outcomes. A balanced dataset is critical for optimal predictive performance of machine learning (ML) models, but data available from published literature often only include positive results. In this study, in-house and literature-mined data on hot melt extrusion (HME) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3DP formulations were combined to give a more balanced dataset of 1594 formulations. The optimized ML models predicted the printability and filament mechanical characteristics with an accuracy of 84%, and predicted HME and FDM processing temperatures with a mean absolute error of 5.5 °C and 8.4 °C, respectively. The performance of these ML models was better than previous iterations with a smaller and a more imbalanced dataset, highlighting the importance of providing a structured and heterogeneous dataset for optimal ML performance. The optimized models were integrated in an updated web-application, M3DISEEN, that provides predictions on filament characteristics, printability, HME and FDM processing temperatures, and drug release profiles (https://m3diseen.com/predictionsFDM/). By simulating the workflow of preparing FDM-printed pharmaceutical products, the web-application expedites the otherwise empirical process of formulation development, facilitating higher pharmaceutical 3DP research throughput.

Additive Manufactured Polymers in Dentistry, Current State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives-A Review

3D-printing application in dentistry not only enables the manufacture of patient-specific devices and tissue constructs, but also allows mass customization, as well as digital workflow, with predictable lower cost and rapid turnaround times. 4D printing also shows a good impact in dentistry, as it can produce dynamic and adaptable materials, which have proven effective in the oral environment, under its continuously changing thermal and humidity conditions. It is expected to further boost the research into producing a whole tooth, capable to harmoniously integrate with the surrounding periodontium, which represents the ultimate goal of tissue engineering in dentistry. Because of their high versatility associated with the wide variety of available materials, additive manufacturing in dentistry predominantly targets the production of polymeric constructs. The aim of this narrative review is to catch a glimpse of the current state-of-the-art of additive manufacturing in dentistry, and the future perspectives of this modern technology, focusing on the specific polymeric materials.

Digital Light 3D Printed Bioresorbable and NIR-Responsive Devices with Photothermal and Shape-Memory Functions

Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing is a promising technique for the rapid manufacturing of customized medical devices with high precision. To be successfully translated to a clinical setting, challenges in the development of suitable photopolymerizable materials have yet to be overcome. Besides biocompatibility, it is often desirable for the printed devices to be biodegradable, elastic, and with a therapeutic function. Here, a multifunctional DLP printed material system based on the composite of gold nanorods and polyester copolymer is reported. The material demonstrates robust near-infrared (NIR) responsiveness, allowing rapid and stable photothermal effect leading to the time-dependent cell death. NIR light-triggerable shape transformation is demonstrated, resulting in a facilitated insertion and expansion of DLP printed stent ex vivo. The proposed strategy opens a promising avenue for the design of multifunctional therapeutic devices based on nanoparticle-polymer composites.

Fabrication of a Shell-Core Fixed-Dose Combination Tablet Using Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing

Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) achieve optimal goals for treatment with minimal side effects, decreased administration of large number of tablets, thus, greater convenience, and improved patient compliance. However, conventional FDCs do not have a guaranteed place in the future of patient-centered drug development because of the difficulty in achieving dose titration of each drug for individualized specific health needs and desired therapeutic outcomes. In the current study, FDCs of two antihypertensive drugs were fabricated with two distinct compartments using fused deposition modeling three-dimensional printing (FDM-3DP). Atorvastatin calcium and Amlodipine besylate loaded filaments were prepared by hot-melt extrusion. Shell-core FDC tablets were designed to have different infills for individualized dosing. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction revealed that both drugs were transformed into amorphous forms within the polymeric carriers. The fabricated tablets met the United States Pharmacopeia acceptance criteria for friability, content uniformity, and dissolution testing. The fabricated tablets were stable at room temperature with respect to drug content and thermal behavior over six months. This dynamic dosage form provides flexibility in dose titration and maintains the advantages of FDCs, thus achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes in different healthcare facilities.

Recent Advances in Intelligent Wearable Medical Devices Integrating Biosensing and Drug Delivery

The primary roles of precision medicine are to perform real-time examination, administer on-demand medication, and apply instruments continuously. However, most current therapeutic systems implement these processes separately, leading to treatment interruption and limited recovery in patients. Personalized healthcare and smart medical treatment have greatly promoted research on and development of biosensing and drug-delivery integrated systems, with intelligent wearable medical devices (IWMDs) as typical systems, which have received increasing attention because of their non-invasive and customizable nature. Here, the latest progress in research on IWMDs is reviewed, including their mechanisms of integrating biosensing and on-demand drug delivery. The current challenges and future development directions of IWMDs are also discussed.

3D printing of a controlled fluoride delivery device for the prevention and treatment of tooth decay

Dental decay is a highly prevalent chronic disease affecting people from all ages. Clinically, fluoride supplementation is the primary strategy in the prevention of dental decay. However, the current existing self-application formulations such as gels or mouthwashes are rapidly cleared after administration, resulting in modest efficacy even after repeated applications. Therefore, a user-friendly formulation that can provide sustained fluoride release in the oral cavity is of great interest for dental decay prevention. Herein, we report the utilization of fused deposition modelling to fabricate personalised mouthguards, which allow local and prolonged fluoride elution. Composite filaments comprising sodium fluoride and polymers with tuneable hydrophobicity were produced using blends of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(vinyl alcohol) or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The materials exhibited suitable mechanical properties for dental devices as well as different release kinetics depending on their composition. Ex vivo studies were performed on decayed human teeth using the 3D printed tooth caps that precisely fit the complex geometries of each specimen. A significant elevation of fluoride content in the lesion mineral in contact with the PCL/PEG tooth caps was achieved compared to the ones in contact with solutions mimicking dental care products. In conclusion, this study suggested that a sustained localized drug release of fluoride from personalised 3D printed mouthguards at the device-enamel interface can improve the incorporation of fluoride in the tooth matrix and prevent lesion progression.

Traction of 3D and 4D Printing in the Healthcare Industry: From Drug Delivery and Analysis to Regenerative Medicine

Three-dimensional (3D) printing and 3D bioprinting are promising technologies for a broad range of healthcare applications from frontier regenerative medicine and tissue engineering therapies to pharmaceutical advancements yet must overcome the challenges of biocompatibility and resolution. Through comparison of traditional biofabrication methods with 3D (bio)printing, this review highlights the promise of 3D printing for the production of on-demand, personalized, and complex products that enhance the accessibility, effectiveness, and safety of drug therapies and delivery systems. In addition, this review describes the capacity of 3D bioprinting to fabricate patient-specific tissues and living cell systems (e.g., vascular networks, organs, muscles, and skeletal systems) as well as its applications in the delivery of cells and genes, microfluidics, and organ-on-chip constructs. This review summarizes how tailoring selected parameters (i.e., accurately selecting the appropriate printing method, materials, and printing parameters based on the desired application and behavior) can better facilitate the development of optimized 3D-printed products and how dynamic 4D-printed strategies (printing materials designed to change with time or stimulus) may be deployed to overcome many of the inherent limitations of conventional 3D-printed technologies. Comprehensive insights into a critical perspective of the future of 4D bioprinting, crucial requirements for 4D printing including the programmability of a material, multimaterial printing methods, and precise designs for meticulous transformations or even clinical applications are also given.

Development of nano- and microdevices for the next generation of biotechnology, wearables and miniaturized instrumentation

This is a short communication based on recent high-impact publications related to how various chemical materials and substrate modifications could be tuned for nano- and microdevices, where their application for high point-of-care bioanalysis and further applications in life science is discussed. Hence, they have allowed different high-impact research topics in a variety of fields, from the control of nanoscale to functional microarchitectures embedded in various support materials to obtain a device for a given application or use. Thus, their incorporation in standard instrumentation is shown, as well as in new optical setups to record different classical and non-classical light, signaling, and energy modes at a variety of wavelengths and energy levels. Moreover, the development of miniaturized instrumentation was also contemplated. In order to develop these different levels of technology, the chemistry, physics and engineering of materials were discussed. In this manner, a number of subjects that allowed the design and manufacture of devices could be found. The following could be mentioned by way of example: (i) nanophotonics; (ii) design, synthesis and tuning of advanced nanomaterials; (iii) classical and non-classical light generation within the near field; (iv) microfluidics and nanofluidics; (v) signal waveguiding; (vi) quantum-, nano- and microcircuits; (vii) materials for nano- and microplatforms, and support substrates and their respective modifications for targeted functionalities. Moreover, nano-optics in in-flow devices and chips for biosensing were discussed, and perspectives on biosensing and single molecule detection (SMD) applications. In this perspective, new insights about precision nanomedicine based on genomics and drug delivery systems were obtained, incorporating new advanced diagnosis methods based on lab-on-particles, labs-on-a-chip, gene therapies, implantable devices, portable miniaturized instrumentation, single molecule detection for biophotonics, and neurophotonics. In this manner, this communication intends to highlight recent reports and developments of nano- and microdevices and further approaches towards the incorporation of developments in nanophotonics and biophotonics in the design of new materials based on different strategies and enhanced techniques and methods. Recent proofs of concept are discussed that could allow new substrates for device manufacturing. Thus, physical phenomena and materials chemistry with accurate control within the nanoscale were introduced into the discussion. In this manner, new potential sources of ideas and strategies for the next generation of technology in many research and development fields are showcased.

This is a short communication based on recent high-impact publications related to how various chemical materials and substrate modifications could be tuned for nano- and microdevices, where their application for high point-of-care bioanalysis and further applications in life science is discussed.

3D Printing: Applications in Tissue Engineering, Medical Devices, and Drug Delivery

The gemstone of 3-dimensional (3D) printing shines up from the pyramid of additive manufacturing. Three-dimensional bioprinting technology has been predicted to be a game-changing breakthrough in the pharmaceutical industry since the last decade. It is fast evolving and finds its seats in a variety of domains, including aviation, defense, automobiles, replacement components, architecture, movies, musical instruments, forensic, dentistry, audiology, prosthetics, surgery, food, and fashion industry. In recent years, this miraculous manufacturing technology has become increasingly relevant for pharmaceutical purposes. Computer-aided drug (CAD) model will be developed by computer software and fed into bioprinters. Based on material inputs, the printers will recognize and produce the model scaffold. Techniques including stereolithography, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, material extrusion, material jetting, inkjet-based, fused deposition modelling, binder deposition, and bioprinting expedite the printing process. Distinct advantages are rapid prototyping, flexible design, print on demand, light and strong parts, fast and cost-effective, and environment friendly. The present review gives a brief description of the conceptional 3-dimensional printing, followed by various techniques involved. A short note was explained about the fabricating materials in the pharmaceutical sector. The beam of light is thrown on the various applications in the pharma and medical arena.

A general fruit acid chelation route for eco-friendly and ambient 3D printing of metals

Recent advances in metal additive manufacturing (AM) have provided new opportunities for prompt designs of prototypes and facile personalization of products befitting the fourth industrial revolution. In this regard, its feasibility of becoming a green technology, which is not an inherent aspect of AM, is gaining more interests. A particular interest in adapting and understanding of eco-friendly ingredients can set its important groundworks. Here, we demonstrate a water-based solid-phase binding agent suitable for binder jetting 3D printing of metals. Sodium salts of common fruit acid chelators form stable metal-chelate bridges between metal particles, enabling elaborate 3D printing of metals with improved strengths. Even further reductions in the porosity between the metal particles are possible through post-treatments. A compatibility of this chelation chemistry with variety of metals is also demonstrated. The proposed mechanism for metal 3D printing can open up new avenues for consumer-level personalized 3D printing of metals.

Feasibility of developing hospital preparation by Semisolid extrusion 3D printing: Personalized Amlodipine Besylate chewable tablets

Semisolid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing is an emerging technology in personalized medicine. To address clinical multi-dose requirements, SSE has been explored to manufacture new preparations. In this study, amlodipine besylate (AMB) was the model drug, and SSE was the pharmaceutical strategy. We developed semisolids suitable for SSE and AMB chewable tablets with six strengths (1.5-5 mg) to meet the needs of 2-16-year-old patients. First, the semisolid extrudability was evaluated by texture analyzer, and then the amounts of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, sodium starch glycolate, and glycerin were optimized by full factorial design. Then, rheological tests were performed to evaluate the properties of the semisolid and the effect of starch sodium glycolate on printability. Finally, the amount of corrigents was optimized using an electronic tongue. Laboratory amplified semisolids and 3D printed tablets can be stored for a few months, and the whole SSE process had no effect on crystal type. This study validated the feasibility of SSE 3D printing, and tablets with appropriate taste and cartoon appearance can meet or even exceed the traditional preparations. Our study provides a new strategy for multi-dose solid preparations and effectively addresses the need for personalized amlodipine medicine.

3D Printed Elastomers with Sylgard‐184‐like Mechanical Properties and Tuneable Degradability

The 3D printing of biodegradable elastomers with high mechanical strength is of great interest for personalized medicine, but rather challenging. In this study, we propose a dual-polymer resin formulation for digital light processing of biodegradable elastomers with tailorable mechanical properties comparable to those of Sylgard-184.

Digital light 3D printing of biodegradable elastomers with mechanical properties comparable to the ones of Sylgard-184 via dual-polymer resins.

Multi-Material 3D Printing of a Customized Sports Mouth Guard: Proof-of-Concept Clinical Case

A multilayer mouth guard is known to have the best protective performance. However, its manufacturing in a digital workflow may be challenging with regards to virtual design and materialization. The present case demonstrates a pathway to fabricate a multilayer individualized mouth guard in a fully digital workflow, which starts with intraoral scanning. A free-form CAD software was used for the virtual design. Two various CAM techniques were used, including Polyjet 3D printing of rubber-like soft material and silicone printing using Drop-on-Demand technique. For both methods the outer layer was manufactured from more rigid materials to facilitate its protective function; the inner layer was printed from a softer material to aid a better adaptation to mucosa and teeth. Both 3D printed multilayer mouth guards showed a clinically acceptable fit and were met with patient appraisal. Their protective capacities must be evaluated in further clinical studies.

Connected healthcare: Improving patient care using digital health technologies

Now more than ever, traditional healthcare models are being overhauled with digital technologies of Healthcare 4.0 increasingly adopted. Worldwide, digital devices are improving every stage of the patient care pathway. For one, sensors are being used to monitor patient metrics 24/7, permitting swift diagnosis and interventions. At the treatment stage, 3D printers are under investigation for the concept of personalised medicine by allowing patients access to on-demand, customisable therapeutics. Robots are also being explored for treatment, by empowering precision surgery, rehabilitation, or targeted drug delivery. Within medical logistics, drones are being leveraged to deliver critical treatments to remote areas, collect samples, and even provide emergency aid. To enable seamless integration within healthcare, the Internet of Things technology is being exploited to form closed-loop systems that remotely communicate with one another. This review outlines the most promising healthcare technologies and devices, their strengths, drawbacks, and opportunities for clinical adoption.

Additive manufacturing in drug delivery: Innovative drug product design and opportunities for industrial application

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing is enabling new directions in product design. The adoption of AM in various industrial sectors has led to major transformations. Similarly, AM presents new opportunities in the field of drug delivery, opening new avenues for improved patient care. In this review, we discuss AM as an innovative tool for drug product design. We provide a brief overview of the different AM processes and their respective impact on the design of drug delivery systems. We highlight several enabling features of AM, including unconventional release, customization, and miniaturization, and discuss several applications of AM for the fabrication of drug products. This includes products that have been approved or are in development. As the field matures, there are also several new challenges to broad implementation in the pharmaceutical landscape. We discuss several of these from the regulatory and industrial perspectives and provide an outlook for how these issues may be addressed. The introduction of AM into the field of drug delivery is an enabling technology and many new drug products can be created through productive collaboration of engineers, materials scientists, pharmaceutical scientists, and industrial partners.

Stereolithography 3D printing technology in pharmaceuticals: a review

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology is an innovative tool used in manufacturing medical devices, producing alloys, replacing biological tissues, producing customized dosage forms and so on. Stereolithography (SLA), a 3D printing technique, is very rapid and highly accurate and produces finished products of uniform quality. 3D formulations have been optimized with a perfect tool of artificial intelligence learning techniques. Complex designs/shapes can be fabricated through SLA using the photopolymerization principle. Different 3DP technologies are introduced and the most promising of these, SLA, and its commercial applications, are focused on. The high speed and effectiveness of SLA are highlighted. The working principle of SLA, the materials used and applications of the technique in a wide range of different sectors are highlighted in this review. An innovative idea of 3D printing customized pharmaceutical dosage forms is also presented. SLA compromises several advantages over other methods, such as cost effectiveness, controlled integrity of materials and greater speed. The development of SLA has allowed the development of printed pharmaceutical devices. Considering the present trends, it is expected that SLA will be used along with conventional methods of manufacturing of 3D model. This 3D printing technology may be utilized as a novel tool for delivering drugs on demand. This review will be useful for researchers working on 3D printing technologies.

Three-dimensional printed personalized drug devices with anatomical fit: a review

OBJECTIVES

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has opened the era of drug personalization, promising to revolutionize the pharmaceutical field with improvements in efficacy, safety and compliance of the treatments. As a result of these investigations, a vast therapeutic field has opened for 3DP-loaded drug devices with an anatomical fit. Along these lines, innovative dosage forms, unimaginable until recently, can be obtained. This review explores 3DP-engineered drug devices described in recent research articles, as well as in patented inventions, and even devices already produced by 3DP with drug-loading potential.

KEY FINDINGS

3D drug-loaded stents, implants and prostheses are reviewed, along with devices produced to fit hard-to-attach body parts such as nasal masks, vaginal rings or mouthguards. The most promising 3DP techniques for such devices and the complementary technologies surrounding these inventions are also discussed, particularly the scanners useful for mapping body parts. Health regulatory concerns regarding the new use of such technology are also analysed.

SUMMARY

The scenario discussed in this review shows that for wearable 3DP drug devices to become a tangible reality to users, it will be necessary to overcome the existing regulatory barriers, create new interfaces with electronic systems and improve the mapping mechanisms of body surfaces.

An updated review on application of 3D printing in fabricating pharmaceutical dosage forms

The concept of "one size fits all" followed by the conventional healthcare system has drawbacks in providing precise pharmacotherapy due to variation in the pharmacokinetics of different patients leading to serious consequences such as side effects. In this regard, digital-based three-dimensional printing (3DP), which refers to fabricating 3D printed pharmaceutical dosage forms with variable geometry in a layer-by-layer fashion, has become one of the most powerful and innovative tools in fabricating "personalized medicine" to cater to the need of therapeutic benefits for patients to the maximum extent. This is achieved due to the tremendous potential of 3DP in tailoring various drug delivery systems (DDS) in terms of size, shape, drug loading, and drug release. In addition, 3DP has a huge impact on special populations including pediatrics, geriatrics, and pregnant women with unique or frequently changing medical needs. The areas covered in the present article are as follows: (i) the difference between traditional and 3DP manufacturing tool, (ii) the basic processing steps involved in 3DP, (iii) common 3DP methods with their pros and cons, (iv) various DDS fabricated by 3DP till date with discussing few research studies in each class of DDS, (v) the drug loading principles into 3D printed dosage forms, and (vi) regulatory compliance.

3D Printed Punctal Plugs for Controlled Ocular Drug Delivery

Dry eye disease is a common ocular disorder that is characterised by tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation. Current treatment involves the use of eye drops; however, therapeutic efficacy is limited because of poor ocular bioavailability of topically applied formulations. In this study, digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing was employed to develop dexamethasone-loaded punctal plugs. Punctal plugs with different drug loadings were fabricated using polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) to create a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN). Drug-loaded punctal plugs were characterised in terms of physical characteristics (XRD and DSC), potential drug-photopolymer interactions (FTIR), drug release profile, and cytocompatibility. In vitro release kinetics of the punctal plugs were evaluated using an in-house flow rig model that mimics the subconjunctival space. The results showed sustained release of dexamethasone for up to 7 days from punctal plugs made with 20% w/w PEG 400 and 80% w/w PEGDA, while punctal plugs made with 100% PEGDA exhibited prolonged releases for more than 21 days. Herein, our study demonstrates that DLP 3D printing represents a potential manufacturing platform for fabricating personalised drug-loaded punctal plugs with extended release characteristics for ocular administration.

Observation and Mitigation of Leachables from Non-Product Contact Materials in Electromechanical Delivery Devices for Biotechnology Products

Battery-powered drug delivery devices are widely used as primary containers for storing and delivering therapeutic protein products to improve patient compliance and quality of life. Compared to conventional delivery approaches such as pre-filled syringes, battery-powered devices are more complex in design requiring new materials/components for proper functionality, which could cause potential product safety and quality concerns from the extractable and leachables (E&L) of the new materials/components. In this study, E&L assessments were performed on a battery-powered delivery device during the development and qualification of the device, where novel compound 2‑hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone (HMPP) and related compounds were observed in both E&L. The source of the HMPP and related compounds was identified to be the nonproduct contact device batteries, in which HMPP photo-initiator was used as a curing agent in the battery sealant to prevent leakage of the battery electrolytes. Toxicology assessment was performed, which showed the levels of HMPP observed in the device lots were acceptable relative to the permitted daily exposure. A drug product HMPP spike study was also performed, where no product impact was observed. Based on these assessments, an action threshold and specification limits could be established as a control strategy, if needed, to mitigate the potential risks associate with the observed leachables. As a full resolution, seven battery candidates from different suppliers were screened and one new battery was successfully qualified for the delivery devices. Overall, the holistic E&L approach was fully successful in the development and qualification of the battery-powered devices for biotherapeutic products delivery ensuring product quality and patient safety. Non-product contact materials are commonly rated as low or no risk and typically considered as out of scope of E&L activities for delivery systems following industry benchmark and regulatory agency guidance. This case study is novel as it brings into attention the materials that might not normally be in consideration during the development process. It is highly recommended to understand materials in the context of intended use on a case-by-case basis and not to generalize to ensure successful development and qualification.

Harnessing artificial intelligence for the next generation of 3D printed medicines

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining how we exist in the world. In almost every sector of society, AI is performing tasks with super-human speed and intellect; from the prediction of stock market trends to driverless vehicles, diagnosis of disease, and robotic surgery. Despite this growing success, the pharmaceutical field is yet to truly harness AI. Development and manufacture of medicines remains largely in a 'one size fits all' paradigm, in which mass-produced, identical formulations are expected to meet individual patient needs. Recently, 3D printing (3DP) has illuminated a path for on-demand production of fully customisable medicines. Due to its flexibility, pharmaceutical 3DP presents innumerable options during formulation development that generally require expert navigation. Leveraging AI within pharmaceutical 3DP removes the need for human expertise, as optimal process parameters can be accurately predicted by machine learning. AI can also be incorporated into a pharmaceutical 3DP 'Internet of Things', moving the personalised production of medicines into an intelligent, streamlined, and autonomous pipeline. Supportive infrastructure, such as The Cloud and blockchain, will also play a vital role. Crucially, these technologies will expedite the use of pharmaceutical 3DP in clinical settings and drive the global movement towards personalised medicine and Industry 4.0.

Challenges of fused deposition modeling 3D printing in pharmaceutical applications: Where are we now?

In recent years, fused deposition modeling has become one of the most used three-dimensional printing technologies in the pharmaceutical field. The production of personalized dosage forms for individualized therapy and the modification of the drug release profile by the elaboration of complex geometries make fused deposition modeling a promising tool for small-scale production. However, fused deposition modeling has a considerable number of challenges to overcome. They are divided into three categories of parameters. Material-specific parameters encompass the physicochemical properties of the filament, like thermal, mechanical and rheological properties. They determine the feasibility of the printing process. Operation-specific parameters relate to the processing conditions of printing, such as printing temperature and infill density, which have an influence on the final quality and on the dissolution behavior of the objects. The printer equipment is defined by the machine-specific parameters. Some modifications of this equipment also enhance the performance of the printing process. The aim of this review is to highlight the major fused deposition modeling critical process parameters in the pharmaceutical field and possible solutions in order to speed up the development of objects in the pharmaceutical market.

Polymeric drug delivery systems by additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining interests in drug delivery applications, offering innovative opportunities for the design and development of systems with complex geometry and programmed controlled release profile. In addition, polymer-based drug delivery systems can improve drug safety, efficacy, patient compliance, and are the key materials in AM. Therefore, combining AM and polymers can be beneficial to overcome the existing limitations in the development of controlled release drug delivery systems. Considering these advantages, here we are focusing on the recent developments in the field of polymeric drug delivery systems prepared by AM. This review provides a comprehensive overview on a holistic polymer-AM perspective for drug delivery systems with discussion on the materials, properties, design and fabrication techniques and the mechanisms used to achieve a controlled release system. The current challenges and future perspectives for personalized medicine and clinical use of these systems are also briefly discussed.

3D printing in personalized drug delivery: An overview of hot-melt extrusion-based fused deposition modeling

Advancements in pharmaceutical technologies have led to the personalization of therapies over the last decade. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is an emerging technique in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical dosage forms because of its potential to create complex and customized dosage forms according to the patient's needs. Among the various 3DP techniques based on different functioning mechanisms, fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing is a versatile and widely used method with advantages such as precision of quantity and the ability to incorporate different fill densities. This method is also economical and easily produces complex designs. Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is an established technique in pharmaceutical manufacturing that is utilized in the development of filaments which are used as "ink roll" or feedstock material in FDM 3D printing. This review discusses the various stages involved in FDM 3D printing, including feedstock filament preparation using HME, digital dosage form designs, filament characterization, and various novel applications, and future perspectives.

Review of 3D-printing technologies for wearable and implantable bio-integrated sensors

Thin-film microfabrication-based bio-integrated sensors are widely used for a broad range of applications that require continuous measurements of biophysical and biochemical signals from the human body. Typically, they are fabricated using standard photolithography and etching techniques. This traditional method is capable of producing a precise, thin, and flexible bio-integrated sensor system. However, it has several drawbacks, such as the fact that it can only be used to fabricate sensors on a planar surface, it is highly complex requiring specialized high-end facilities and equipment, and it mostly allows only 2D features to be fabricated. Therefore, developing bio-integrated sensors via 3D-printing technology has attracted particular interest. 3D-printing technology offers the possibility to develop sensors on nonplanar substrates, which is beneficial for noninvasive bio-signal sensing, and to directly print on complex 3D nonplanar organ structures. Moreover, this technology introduces a highly flexible and precisely controlled printing process to realize patient-specific sensor systems for ultimate personalized medicine, with the potential of rapid prototyping and mass customization. This review summarizes the latest advancements in 3D-printed bio-integrated systems, including 3D-printing methods and employed printing materials. Furthermore, two widely used 3D-printing techniques are discussed, namely, ex-situ and in-situ fabrication techniques, which can be utilized in different types of applications, including wearable and smart-implantable biosensor systems.

Printing Methods in the Production of Orodispersible Films

Orodispersible film (ODF) formulations are promising and progressive drug delivery systems that are widely accepted by subjects across all the age groups. They are traditionally fabricated using the most popular yet conventional method called solvent casting method. The most modern and evolving method is based on printing technologies and such printed products are generally termed as printed orodispersible films (POFs). This modern technology is well suited to fabricate ODFs across different settings (laboratory or industrial) in general and in a pharmacy setting in particular. The present review provides an overview of various printing methods employed in fabricating POFs. Particularly, it provides insight about preparing POFs using inkjet, flexographic, and three-dimensional printing (3DP) or additive manufacturing techniques like filament deposition modeling, hot-melt ram extrusion 3DP, and semisolid extrusion 3DP methods. Additionally, the review is focused on patenting trends in POFs using ESPACENET, a European Patent Office search database. Finally, the review captures future market potential of 3DP in general and ODFs market potential in particular.

3D and 4D printing in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery: Printing techniques, materials, and applications

3D and 4D printing are cutting-edge technologies for precise and expedited manufacturing of objects ranging from plastic to metal. Recent advances in 3D and 4D printing technologies in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery enable dentists to custom design and print surgical drill guides, temporary and permanent crowns and bridges, orthodontic appliances and orthotics, implants, mouthguards for drug delivery. In the present review, different 3D printing technologies available for use in dentistry are highlighted together with a critique on the materials available for printing. Recent reports of the application of these printed platformed are highlighted to enable readers appreciate the progress in 3D/4D printing in dentistry.

Engineered drug delivery devices to address Global Health challenges

There is a dire need for innovative solutions to address global health needs. Polymeric systems have been shown to provide substantial benefit to all sectors of healthcare, especially for their ability to extend and control drug delivery. Herein, we review polymeric drug delivery devices for vaccines, tuberculosis, and contraception.