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Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences ›› 2026, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (1): 16-37.DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2026.01.002

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Application of 3D printing technology in the treatment of bacterial inflammation: oral formulations, internal implants, and external dressings

Zanyan Gao1,#, Shiyu Gao1,#, Maomei Xie1, Chen Chen1, Yongyuan Li1, Guangcheng Jia2, Rui Liu1,3, Haixia Wang1,3,*()   

  1. 1 College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
    2 Shanghai Kechow Pharma, Inc. Shanghai 201203, China
    3 Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent and Green Pharmaceuticals for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
  • Received:2025-09-11 Revised:2025-10-29 Accepted:2026-01-10 Online:2026-01-31 Published:2026-01-31
  • Contact: Haixia Wang
  • About author:

    # Zanyan Gao and Shiyu Gao contributed equally to this work.

  • Supported by:
    National Key Research and Development Program Project of China (Grant No. 2024YFC3506900), Tianjin Science and Technology Plan Project (Grant No. 24JCYBJC00230) and Party Building Innovation Research Project of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Grant No. 2024DJ03).

Abstract:

As bacterial infections have emerged as the second leading cause of death worldwide, the urgent demand for novel and effective antibacterial therapies continues to escalate. In this context, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology offers transformative potential for the design and fabrication of oral formulations, internal implants, and external dressings in the management of bacterial inflammation. Conventional oral antibacterial agents often suffer from limitations in drug release kinetics and gastrointestinal stability. Leveraging 3D printing enables precise control over drug release profiles, thereby enhancing both bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the development of internal implants requires high levels of individual specificity and structural precision. Through patient-specific customization and the incorporation of appropriate antibacterial materials, 3D printing allows the fabrication of implants tailored to individual clinical needs, ultimately increasing surgical success rates and minimizing postoperative infection risks. Additionally, 3D-printed external dressings exhibit excellent antibacterial activity, accelerate wound healing, and facilitate patient recovery. This review summarizes the fabrication methods, key advantages, and therapeutic outcomes of 3D printing in oral delivery systems, implantable devices, and wound dressings. It further highlights recent advances and emerging trends, offering insights and strategic guidance for the rational design and application of antibacterial therapeutics.

Key words: 3D printing, Antimicrobial drug delivery, Oral formulations, Internal implants, External dressings

Supporting: