3D-PRINTED PERSONALISED GASTRO-RETENTIVE MEDICINE: REVOLUTIONISING PEPTIC ULCER MANAGEMENT THROUGH ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND CLINICAL INNOVATION

Three-dimensional (3D) printing-based customised gastro-retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) present an innovative strategy for managing peptic ulcer disease by addressing the limitations of traditional dosage forms through precision manufacturing and patient-specific customisation. Conventional GRDDS exhibit significant variability in bioavailability due to differences in gastric physiology. This review highlights advanced 3D printing techniques, including fused deposition modelling (FDM), direct ink writing, inkjet printing, and binder jetting, which facilitate the development of floating systems with controlled lag times and extended floating durations. Systems produced using FDM significantly enhance relative bioavailability compared to immediate-release forms and notably reduce peak plasma concentration. Direct ink writing considerably reduces intersubject variability and allows for the incorporation of thermolabile active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Furthermore, 3D printing enables the spatial separation of multiple APIs, dose individualisation based on factors such as body mass index and gastric motility, and cost-effective on-demand production with significantly lower manufacturing expenses. Pre-formulation studies employing thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and solubility profiling confirmed formulation stability and biocompatibility. Recent regulatory frameworks (UK MHRA, FDA/EMA draft guidelines) support point-of-care 3D printing in clinical settings. AI-driven quality control systems achieve high accuracy in defect detection. Despite challenges such as limited print resolution, thermal degradation risk, and shelf-life issues, interdisciplinary collaboration fosters the clinical translation of 3D printed GRDDS as personalised precision therapies to enhance treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.