3D and 4D Printing in Digital Healthcare
Author
Awad, Atheer
Basit, Abdul W.
Attention
2299/27446
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a digital manufacturing system that is transforming pharmaceutical production by empowering patients to play an active role in the treatment process. Along with its dynamic form, namely, four-dimensional (4D) printing, this technology can challenge boundaries across industries. Within healthcare, their digital features make them well suited for designing and formulating countless drug products with properties personalised to the needs and preferences of individual patients. Although not fully embraced, it has been predicted that 3D printing would work in synchronisation with other cyber technologies, giving rise to a modern healthcare era based on continuous patient care. This book chapter will summarise the history of 3D and 4D printing and provide an insight on their use for personalised medicine. This will be followed by a futuristic vision of its role in a modern digital healthcare model.