Medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications of 3D-printing technology in diabetes

Reza Amin; Sayed Mahdi Hossaeini Marashi; Seyyed Mohammad Reza Noori; Zeinab Alavi; Elaheh Dehghani; Reyhaneh Maleki; Mehdi Safdarian; Arash Rocky; Enayat Berizi; Seyyed Mohammad Amin Alemohammad; Setayesh Zamanpour; Seyyed Mohammad Ali Noori

doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2024.103002

Medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications of 3D-printing technology in diabetes

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2024 Apr 10;18(4):103002. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.103002. Online ahead of print.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
² College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences Michael Sterling Building (MCST 055), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, Centre for Engineering Research, University of Hertfordshire, Mosquito Way, Hatfield AL10 9EU, United Kingdom.
³ Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
⁴ Department of Nutrition, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
⁵ Nanotechnology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
⁶ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Windsor, Canada.
⁷ Nutrition Research Center, Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
⁸ Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran.
⁹ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Deputy of Food and Drug, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
¹⁰ Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Electronic address: noori-sma@ajums.ac.ir.

PMID: 38615569
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.103002

Abstract

Aims: Despite numerous studies covering the various features of three-dimensional printing (3D printing) technology, and its applications in food science and disease treatment, no study has yet been conducted to investigate applying 3D printing in diabetes. Therefore, the present study centers on the utilization and impact of 3D printing technology in relation to the nutritional, pharmaceutical, and medicinal facets of diabetes management. It highlights the latest advancements, and challenges in this field.

Methods: In this review, the articles focusing on the application and effect of 3D printing technology on medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional aspects of diabetes management were collected from different databases.

Result: High precision of 3D printing in the placement of cells led to accurate anatomic control, and the possibility of bio-printing pancreas and β-cells. Transdermal drug delivery via 3D-printed microneedle (MN) patches was beneficial for the management of diabetes disease. 3D printing supported personalized medicine for Diabetes Mellitus (DM). For instance, it made it possible for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture unique doses of medications for every diabetic patient. Moreover, 3D printing allowed the food industry to produce high-fiber and sugar-free products for the individuals with DM.

Conclusions: In summary, applying 3D printing technology for diabetes management is in its early stages, and needs to be matured and developed to be safely used for humans. However, its rapid progress in recent years showed a bright future for the treatment of diabetes.

Keywords: 3D printer; Additive manufacturing; Nutrition; Personalized medicine; Pharmaceutics; diabetes.

Publication types

Review