PSI - Issue 82

ScienceDirect Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000–000 Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000–000 Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Procedia Structural Integrity 82 (2026) 227–233

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© 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSID organizers The aim of the present review paper is to analyze the structure and properties of pharmaceuticals fabricated by 3D printing. The application of different 3D printing technological processes in creation of solid and semi-solid dosage forms as well as drug-eluting devices is highlighted. The contemporary developments in controlled-release systems, hydrogel dressings, microneedles, suppositories, chewable and bilayer tablets, and polypills are discussed in the study. This article is focused on the natural-origin 3D printed biopharmaceutical and nanomedicine systems, including lipid-based carriers, pectin, and alginate. Keywords: 3D-printed tablets; Bilayer tablets; Polypill; Semi-solid dosage forms 1. Introduction In recent years, the possibilities for developing pharmaceutical dosage forms through 3D printing have been actively explored. For targeted drug delivery to a specific organ or location in the human body, biocompatible and biodegradable filaments, beads, or discs are employed, which can be loaded with chemotherapeutic agents or antibiotics (Vaezi M. et al. 2014). Additionally, 3D printers are used to design personalized dosage forms with controlled drug release. An example of such a targeted development is the company OrganicNANO (Ruston, Los Angeles), which creates antifungal dosage forms with time-controlled release (Guerin D. 2014). The data accumulated to date in the field of 3D printing The aim of the present review paper is to analyze the structure and properties of pharmaceuticals fabricated by 3D printing. The application of different 3D printing technological processes in creation of solid and semi-solid dosage forms as well as drug-eluting devices is highlighted. The contemporary developments in controlled-release systems, hydrogel dressings, microneedles, suppositories, chewable and bilayer tablets, and polypills are discussed in the study. This article is focused on the natural-origin 3D printed biopharmaceutical and nanomedicine systems, including lipid-based carriers, pectin, and alginate. Keywords: 3D-printed tablets; Bilayer tablets; Polypill; Semi-solid dosage forms 1. Introduction In recent years, the possibilities for developing pharmaceutical dosage forms through 3D printing have been actively explored. For targeted drug delivery to a specific organ or location in the human body, biocompatible and biodegradable filaments, beads, or discs are employed, which can be loaded with chemotherapeutic agents or antibiotics (Vaezi M. et al. 2014). Additionally, 3D printers are used to design personalized dosage forms with controlled drug release. An example of such a targeted development is the company OrganicNANO (Ruston, Los Angeles), which creates antifungal dosage forms with time-controlled release (Guerin D. 2014). The data accumulated to date in the field of 3D printing 8th International Conference on Structural Integrity and Durability (ICSID2025) Structure and Properties of Pharmaceuticals Fabricated By 3D Print 8th International Conference on Structural Integrity and Durability (ICSID2025) Structure and Properties of Pharmaceuticals Fabricated By 3D Print Krastena Nikolova a, *, Natalina Panova a , Tsanka Dikova b a Medical University-Varna, Faculty of Pharmacy, 84 Tsar Osvoboditel Blv. 9000 Varna, Bulgaria b Medical University-Varna, Faculty of Dental Medicine, 84 Tsar Osvoboditel Blv. 9000 Varna, Bulgaria Abstract A cutting-edge method in pharmaceutical technology, 3D printing allows fabrication of pharmaceuticals with controlled drug release, customized dosage, and quick adjustment to meet the needs of each patient. Along with its critical role in promoting personalized medicine, 3D printing technology is recognized for its potential to provide quick, flexible, and effective drug production during pandemics, natural disasters, and armed conflicts. Krastena Nikolova a, *, Natalina Panova a , Tsanka Dikova b a Medical University-Varna, Faculty of Pharmacy, 84 Tsar Osvoboditel Blv. 9000 Varna, Bulgaria b Medical University-Varna, Faculty of Dental Medicine, 84 Tsar Osvoboditel Blv. 9000 Varna, Bulgaria Abstract A cutting-edge method in pharmaceutical technology, 3D printing allows fabrication of pharmaceuticals with controlled drug release, customized dosage, and quick adjustment to meet the needs of each patient. Along with its critical role in promoting personalized medicine, 3D printing technology is recognized for its potential to provide quick, flexible, and effective drug production during pandemics, natural disasters, and armed conflicts.

* Corresponding author. E-mail address: kr.nikolova@abv.bg

2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSID organizers 10.1016/j.prostr.2026.04.035 2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Copy from the contract: Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSID organizers 2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Copy from the contract: Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSID organizers * Corresponding author. E-mail address: kr.nikolova@abv.bg