Selective Laser Sintering for printing pharmaceutical dosage forms

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has revolutionised the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing due to the unique capabilities to tailor the dosage forms properties and overcome constrains of conventional technologies. There is a plurality of 3D printing techniques that offer flexibility on the shape, geometry, active(s) dose and dissolution rates for improved patient treatment. Over the last few years selective laser sintering (SLS) has captured research interest for the development of innovative drug products. SLS possess technological features that can transform medicine manufacturing from one-size-fits-all to personalised dosage forms with improved clinical outcomes, patient acceptability, and adherence. Moreover, SLS has the capacity to pave the way for decentralised manufacturing and introduce new supply chain models with reduce complexity. In this review we present the technological features, manufacturing challenges, advantages and limitations of SLS for manufacturing medicines.