Christine M. Madla

Bio: Christine M. Madla is an academic researcher from University College London. The author has contributed to research in topics: Jejunum & Ileum. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 24 publications receiving 858 citations.

Shaping the future: recent advances of 3D printing in drug delivery and healthcare

Abstract: Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a relatively new, rapid manufacturing technology that has found promising applications in the drug delivery and medical sectors. Arguably, never before has the healthcare industry experienced such a transformative technology. This review aims to discuss the state of the art of 3D printing technology in healthcare and drug delivery. Areas covered: The current and future applications of printing technologies within drug delivery and medicine have been discussed. The latest innovations in 3D printing of customized medical devices, drug-eluting implants, and printlets (3D-printed tablets) with a tailored dose, shape, size, and release characteristics have been covered. The review also covers the state of the art of 3D printing in healthcare (covering topics such as dentistry, surgical and bioprinting of patient-specific organs), as well as the potential of recent innovations, such as 4D printing, to shape the future of drug delivery and to improve treatment pathways for patients. Expert opinion: A future perspective is provided on the potential for 3D printing in healthcare, covering strategies to overcome the major barriers to integration that are faced today.

Probiotics and prebiotics in intestinal health and disease: from biology to the clinic

Abstract: Probiotics and prebiotics are microbiota-management tools for improving host health. They target gastrointestinal effects via the gut, although direct application to other sites such as the oral cavity, vaginal tract and skin is being explored. Here, we describe gut-derived effects in humans. In the past decade, research on the gut microbiome has rapidly accumulated and has been accompanied by increased interest in probiotics and prebiotics as a means to modulate the gut microbiota. Given the importance of these approaches for public health, it is timely to reiterate factual and supporting information on their clinical application and use. In this Review, we discuss scientific evidence on probiotics and prebiotics, including mechanistic insights into health effects. Strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces have a long history of safe and effective use as probiotics, but Roseburia spp., Akkermansia spp., Propionibacterium spp. and Faecalibacterium spp. show promise for the future. For prebiotics, glucans and fructans are well proven, and evidence is building on the prebiotic effects of other substances (for example, oligomers of mannose, glucose, xylose, pectin, starches, human milk and polyphenols).

3D Printing in Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications – Recent Achievements and Challenges

Abstract: Growing demand for customized pharmaceutics and medical devices makes the impact of additive manufacturing increased rapidly in recent years. The 3D printing has become one of the most revolutionary and powerful tool serving as a technology of precise manufacturing of individually developed dosage forms, tissue engineering and disease modeling. The current achievements include multifunctional drug delivery systems with accelerated release characteristic, adjustable and personalized dosage forms, implants and phantoms corresponding to specific patient anatomy as well as cell-based materials for regenerative medicine. This review summarizes the newest achievements and challenges of additive manufacturing in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical research that have been published since 2015. Currently developed techniques of 3D printing are briefly described while comprehensive analysis of extrusion-based methods as the most intensively investigated is provided. The issue of printlets attributes, i.e. shape and size is described with regard to personalized dosage forms and medical devices manufacturing. The undeniable benefits of 3D printing are highlighted, however a critical view resulting from the limitations and challenges of the additive manufacturing is also included. The regulatory issue is pointed as well.

Binder jetting: A review of process, materials, and methods

Abstract: Binder Jet printing is an additive manufacturing technique that dispenses liquid binding agent on powder to form a two-dimensional pattern on a layer. The layers are stacked to build a physical article. Binder Jetting (BJ) can be adapted to almost any powder with high production rates and the BJ process utilizes a broad range of technologies including printing tehniques, powder deposition, dynamic binder/powder interaction, and post-processing methods. A wide variety of materials including polymers, metals, and ceramics have been processed successfully with Binder Jet. However, developing printing and post-processing methods that maximize part performance is a remaining challenge. This article presents a broad review of technologies and approaches that have been applied in Binder Jet printing and points towards opportunities for future advancement.