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3D Printing Polymer Materials and Their Biomedical Applications—2nd Edition
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3D Printing Polymer Materials and Their Biomedical Applications—2nd Edition

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 1256

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jiaxiang Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
Interests: polymer materials; drug delivery system; patient-focused drug development; hot-melt extrusion; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

"3D Printing Polymer Materials and Their Biomedical Applications—2nd Edition" explores the transformative potential of 3D printing in the medical field, particularly focusing on the use of polymer-based materials.

This collection of research articles delves into innovative approaches for developing biocompatible polymers tailored for various medical and pharmaceutical applications, including the following topics:

Personalized Medicine through 3D-Printed Polymeric Oral Drug Delivery Systems:

  • Investigating the formulation of polymer-based tablets or capsules with customized drug release profiles.
  • Developing patient-specific tablets or capsules that can deliver API or multiple drugs in a controlled manner.
  • Evaluating the dissolution rates, bioavailability, stability, and compatibility of drugs within 3D-printed polymeric carriers.

Transdermal Drug Delivery Devices:

  • Creating 3D-printed microneedle arrays for painless and efficient transdermal drug administration.
  • Studying the mechanical properties and skin penetration efficiency of different polymeric microneedle designs.

Polymer-Based Implants for Localized Drug Delivery:

  • Designing and fabricating 3D-printed implants that release therapeutic agents at the site of implantation.
  • Assessing the long-term drug release kinetics and biocompatibility of polymeric implants.

Polymeric Hydrogels for Sustained Drug Release:

  • Formulating 3D-printed hydrogels that can encapsulate and gradually release drugs over extended periods.
  • Studying the swelling behavior and drug release mechanisms of hydrogel-based delivery systems.

Development of 3D-Printed Buccal and Sublingual Drug Delivery Films:

  • Fabricating thin polymer films for rapid drug absorption through buccal or sublingual routes.

Evaluating the dissolution rates, mucoadhesion properties, and patient compliance of 3D-printed films.

Dr. Jiaxiang Zhang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • patient-specific drug development
  • 3D-printed polymeric carriers
  • transdermal drug delivery
  • 3D-printed buccal and sublingual drug delivery films
  • polymeric hydrogels

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1614 KB  
Article
Development and Optimization of Polymer-Based Dissolving Microneedles Fabricated by Mold Casting Method
by Liubov Bodnar, Tetiana Kovalova, Volodymyr Yakovenko, Oleh Koshovyi, Kaloyan D. Georgiev, Iliya Zhelev Slavov and Liliia Vyshnevska
Polymers 2026, 18(10), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18101255 - 21 May 2026
Viewed by 338
Abstract
Microneedle systems represent a promising minimally invasive approach for transdermal drug delivery; however, their performance strongly depends on the composition and mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. The aim of this study was to select an optimal polymer composition for the fabrication of [...] Read more.
Microneedle systems represent a promising minimally invasive approach for transdermal drug delivery; however, their performance strongly depends on the composition and mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. The aim of this study was to select an optimal polymer composition for the fabrication of dissolving microneedle arrays produced by the mold casting method. The study focused on evaluating mechanical strength, dissolution behavior, and penetration efficiency of different polymer systems. Microneedle matrices were fabricated using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30), methylcellulose, sodium alginate, and hyaluronic acid at various concentrations, alone and in combination. No active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was incorporated; the study was performed using blank polymeric systems intended for subsequent drug loading. The microneedles were manufactured using 3D-printed and silicone molds. Their performance was evaluated by in vitro dissolution testing, pH measurement, penetration studies in gelatin gel and Parafilm M models, and mechanical compression testing. Monopolymer systems demonstrated either rapid dissolution with insufficient mechanical strength or improved strength at the expense of prolonged dissolution time. Combined polymer formulations showed superior structural uniformity and balanced performance. In particular, the system containing 5% PVP K-30 and 10% sodium alginate demonstrated the best overall characteristics, achieving high penetration efficiency (up to 96%), uniform dissolution (78%), and appropriate dissolution time (8.5 ± 0.5 min). Addition of hyaluronic acid further improved structural uniformity and handling properties. The results indicate that composite polymer matrices provide an optimal balance between mechanical stability, penetration ability, and dissolution rate. The formulation consisting of 5% PVP K-30 and 10% sodium alginate was identified as the most promising base for further development of drug-loaded dissolving microneedle systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Polymer Materials and Their Biomedical Applications—2nd Edition)
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35 pages, 16323 KB  
Article
Osteoinductive and Biocompatibility Assessment of a 3D-Printed Polymeric–Hydroxyapatite Composite Interference Screw
by Rana Smaida, Louis-Paul Maugard, Hervé Gegout, Manuel Arruebo, Florence Fioretti, Nadia Benkirane-Jessel and Henri Favreau
Polymers 2026, 18(10), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18101239 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 526
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction relies on interference screw fixation, yet insufficient graft osseointegration remains a critical clinical challenge. This study aimed to develop and characterize a 3D-printed polymeric–hydroxyapatite composite interference screw with an osteoinductive surface to enhance localized osteogenic responses. Screws were designed, [...] Read more.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction relies on interference screw fixation, yet insufficient graft osseointegration remains a critical clinical challenge. This study aimed to develop and characterize a 3D-printed polymeric–hydroxyapatite composite interference screw with an osteoinductive surface to enhance localized osteogenic responses. Screws were designed, modeled, and fabricated using fused deposition modeling 3D printing with a polycaprolactone-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-hydroxyapatite composite. Physico-chemical characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Biocompatibility was assessed through mesenchymal stem cell metabolic activity assays and morphological analysis. Osteogenic gene expression was quantified by RT-qPCR following culture in osteogenic differentiation medium. In vivo osseointegration was evaluated histologically at five and nine weeks following implantation in the proximal tibial epiphysis of a rat model. 3D printing successfully produced screws with consistent geometry and surface characteristics. The composite material supported robust mesenchymal stem cell proliferation without cytotoxicity or morphological abnormalities. Histological examination revealed progressive bone formation with no adverse tissue reactions, including the absence of cyst formation, osteolysis, or excessive fibrosis. RT-qPCR revealed upregulation of osteogenic markers in those enhanced screws. These results indicate that the 3D-printed polymeric–hydroxyapatite composite screws are biocompatible and capable of stimulating localized osteogenic activity, supporting their potential as a biological foundation for future evaluation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Polymer Materials and Their Biomedical Applications—2nd Edition)
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Review

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15 pages, 2975 KB  
Review
Polymer-Based Biomaterials for Local Therapy in Cervical Cancer: A Mini-Review
by Mingjing Qiao, Xiaolong Wang, Chenchen Ren, Qian Li, Alaa Hassan, Hakim Boudaoud and Xianhu Liu
Polymers 2026, 18(12), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18121460 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Cervical cancer continues to require more precise and clinically adaptable local treatment strategies, particularly in the face of insufficient drug accumulation at the lesion site, systemic toxicity of conventional chemotherapy, limited development of postoperative tissue-interfacing platforms, and the anatomical constraints of standard radiotherapy [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer continues to require more precise and clinically adaptable local treatment strategies, particularly in the face of insufficient drug accumulation at the lesion site, systemic toxicity of conventional chemotherapy, limited development of postoperative tissue-interfacing platforms, and the anatomical constraints of standard radiotherapy devices. In this mini-review, we summarize the current landscape of polymer-based biomaterials for local therapy in cervical cancer from both materials and clinical perspectives. Specifically, we discuss three interconnected application domains: local drug delivery systems, polymeric scaffolds and tissue-interfacing platforms, and 3D-printed radiotherapy devices. Recent studies indicate that polymer-based local delivery systems, including nanofiber- and hydrogel-based formulations, can improve cervicovaginal retention, controlled release, and local therapeutic exposure. Scaffold-based systems further extend the role of biomaterials by combining sustained local delivery with defect-specific support and tissue interaction, whereas 3D-printed radiotherapy devices contribute primarily through precision enablement, individualized implantation guidance, and improved conformity in anatomically challenging cases. Despite these advances, most available studies remain preclinical or early translational, and important barriers persist in long-term safety, standardization, clinically relevant validation, and workflow integration. Future progress will depend on application-specific design, stronger translational rigor, and closer integration of biomaterials, imaging, and personalized clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Polymer Materials and Their Biomedical Applications—2nd Edition)
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