3D printed tablets in just 17 seconds

Scientists from the British University UCL succeeded greatly simplify the creation of tablets for individual use, which can be adjusted to the needs of the patient.

For this, a photopolymer 3D printer was used. Unlike classic 3D printers, it does not print the object layer by layer. Instead, a piece of resin is exposed to light to solidify into the desired shape, which greatly speeds up the process. To make medicines, they used a special resin with the active substance dissolved in it.

As a result, it took 17 seconds to 3D print a paracetamol tablet. By changing the composition of the resin, the team could also fine-tune the release rate of the drug. During subsequent experiments, the printing speed reached 7 seconds.

In the future, this approach may be used to create tablets with other active substances, adjusting the dosage and release rate to the individual needs of the patient. Scientists hope that soon 3D printers will be found in clinics, and patients will not have to wait days or even weeks to receive individual drugs.