Medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications of 3D-printing technology in diabetes

AIMS

Despite numerous studies covering the various features of three-dimensional printing (3D printing) technology, and its applications in food science and disease treatment, no study has yet been conducted to investigate applying 3D printing in diabetes. Therefore, the present study centers on the utilization and impact of 3D printing technology in relation to the nutritional, pharmaceutical, and medicinal facets of diabetes management. It highlights the latest advancements, and challenges in this field.

METHODS

In this review, the articles focusing on the application and effect of 3D printing technology on medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional aspects of diabetes management were collected from different databases.

RESULT

High precision of 3D printing in the placement of cells led to accurate anatomic control, and the possibility of bio-printing pancreas and β-cells. Transdermal drug delivery via 3D-printed microneedle (MN) patches was beneficial for the management of diabetes disease. 3D printing supported personalized medicine for Diabetes Mellitus (DM). For instance, it made it possible for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture unique doses of medications for every diabetic patient. Moreover, 3D printing allowed the food industry to produce high-fiber and sugar-free products for the individuals with DM.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, applying 3D printing technology for diabetes management is in its early stages, and needs to be matured and developed to be safely used for humans. However, its rapid progress in recent years showed a bright future for the treatment of diabetes.

Electrospinning of nanofibers incorporated with essential oils: Applications in food

Nowadays, modern food preservation techniques have emerged in the last decade. Recently, a combination of nanotechnology and active packaging has allowed the incorporation of bioactive compounds, such as essential oils, into nanoscale electrospun fibers. This phenomenon provides a new horizon in food safety and preservation. The incorporation of essential oils into electrospun nanofibers can extend the duration of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of essential oils, which subsequently leads to longer shelf life, better preservation, and superior quality of food. In the current paper, the essential oils incorporated into nanofibers have been reviewed. The fabrication of nanofibers is usually carried out using different substances by applying various manufacturing methods, including needleless and needle-based electrospinning techniques. In this study, an emphasis on the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of electrospun nanofibers loaded with essential oils and their application in food models has been laid. Nevertheless, other challenges associated with using nanofibers incorporated with essential oils, such as their impact on organoleptic properties, cytotoxicity, and durability, have been discussed to achieve a holistic view of applying the electrospinning techniques in the food industry.

Application of alginate polymer films and coatings incorporated with essential oils in foods: a review of recent literature with emphasis on nanotechnology

Food waste is one of the major challenges in food safety and finding a solution for this issue is critically important. Herein, edible films and coatings became attractive for scientists as they can keep food from spoilage. Edible films and coatings can effectively preserve the original quality of food and extend its shelf life. Polysaccharides, including starch and cellulose derivatives, chitosan, alginate and pectin, have been extensively studied as biopackaging materials. One of the most interesting polysaccharides is alginate, which has been used to make edible films and coatings. Incorporating essential oils (EO) in alginate matrices results in an improvement in some properties of the edible packages, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the use of nanotechnology can improve the desirable properties of edible films and coatings. In this article we reviewed the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of alginate coatings and films and their use in various food products.

WITHDRAWN: Electrospinning of Nanofibers Incorporated with Essential Oils: Applications in Food

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the author of the journal Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

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