3D printing as a transformative tool for microneedle systems: Recent advances, manufacturing considerations and market potential

The present review aims at identifying the key progress points that have been made on the use of 3D printing to manufacture microneedles in the past 3 years. The advances in the field of photopolymerization and extrusion-based 3D printing are outlined. The study revealed that the printing resolution and the material properties are the two critical parameters that have the most influential effect on the outcome of every microneedle printing endeavour. Finally, the authors attempt to estimate the impact of 3D printing on the transdermal drug delivery market. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review identified key progress points in using 3D printing to manufacture microneedles over the past 3 years, particularly focusing on advances in photopolymerization and extrusion-based 3D printing. The study highlighted that printing resolution and material properties are the two critical parameters that significantly influence the outcome of microneedle printing endeavors. Finally, the authors attempted to estimate the impact of 3D printing on the transdermal drug delivery market.