Real-time compounding 3D printer
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12303603-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-20
Expiration Date
2037-06-20
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Abstract
A method for delivery of personalized medication or nutrition for an individual is provided. The method includes receiving parameters for the personalized medication at a 3D printer, wherein the parameters comprise one or more ingredients, mixing at least one of the ingredients at the 3D printer, and micro-dispensing the one or more of the ingredients into dose form at the 3D printer.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and system for the delivery of personalized medication or nutrition using a 3D printer. The method includes steps of receiving parameters at the 3D printer including one or more ingredients, mixing at least one of these ingredients at the 3D printer, and micro-dispensing the ingredients into dose form at the printer. The system comprises a 3D printing platform with at least one micro-dispenser and mixer, connected to a control system that receives parameters, mixes the ingredients, and micro-dispenses the ingredients into dose form.
The problem addressed by this invention is the time-consuming and costly process of compounding personalized medicines, which traditionally requires significant manual intervention by pharmacists. The invention seeks to enable rapid compounding, customization in terms of strength, dosage form, taste or flavor, exclusion of certain ingredients due to sensitivities or allergies, and other patient-specific properties.
The core innovation allows for highly precise and customizable delivery of medications and nutrition by leveraging a 3D printer capable of mixing diverse materials—including drugs in powder or liquid form, flavoring agents, and biopolymers—under computer control. The 3D printer can accommodate multiple doses with varying volumetric and ingredient information, enabling features such as time-release through layering, color coding, shape, and inclusion of identifying information for each individual’s needs.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims that specify the main inventive features of the real-time compounding 3D printer for personalized medication or nutrition.
Method of layered, ingredient-variable 3D printing for personalized medication
A method is provided where parameters for personalized medication, including a plurality of ingredients, are received at a 3D printer. The parameters vary concentrations of one or more of the ingredients in different layers to assist in promoting time release. The 3D printer comprises a plurality of micro-dispensers, each with its own mixer. Ingredients are mixed at the micro-dispensers to obtain varying concentrations per layer, and then micro-dispensed into dose form so that each layer contains specific concentrations as defined by the parameters.
System for personalized medication delivery with ingredient mixing and layer control
The system includes a 3D printing platform with multiple micro-dispensers, each associated with a mixer for mixing at least one ingredient prior to micro-dispensing. A control system is connected to the 3D printing platform and mixers. The system receives parameters including ingredients, which specify varying concentrations in different layers to assist time release. Ingredients are mixed via the mixers and micro-dispensed into dose form in different layers with concentrations as specified by the received parameters.
Method for multi-dose personalized medication with volumetric and layer-specific control
A method is disclosed for delivery according to a treatment program, with parameters received for a plurality of doses. Each dose’s parameters include a plurality of ingredients and volumetric information, with concentrations varying in different layers for each dose to assist in time release. The 3D printer has multiple micro-dispensers, each with a mixer. Ingredients are mixed to obtain prescribed concentrations per layer, and micro-dispensed into dose form to create multiple doses. The volumetric data differ for different doses within the program.
The inventive features collectively enable automated, programmable preparation of personalized medication or nutrition by precise mixing and layered dispensing of ingredients in a 3D printer, supporting individualized dosing, time release, and identification.
Stated Advantages
Provides rapid compounding to enable personalized medicine.
Allows mixing and dispensing of personalized medication with improved customization for strength, dosage forms, flavors, and exclusion of certain ingredients.
Reduces manual intervention and associated time and cost in the compounding process.
Enables a heretofore unknown level of customization for each dose or treatment program.
Documented Applications
Formulation and delivery of personalized medication for an individual, including prescription drugs.
Production of personalized nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, and other health supplements.
Production of medication or supplements in various forms, such as oral dosages including capsules, biopolymer forms, strips, sub-lingual forms, and patches.
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