Hybrid 3D printing for personalized nutritional supplements
Innovative hybrid 3D printing technology combining Direct Ink Writing and Digital Light Processing to create customized nutritional supplements with precise dosage and tailored release profiles.
Overview
Our innovative hybrid 3D printing technology merges Direct Ink Writing (DIW) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) to fabricate personalized nutritional supplements. This method allows for the precise control of nutrient-rich materials and the creation of complex, multi-functional dosage forms. By integrating the flexibility of DIW with the structural precision of DLP, this approach enables the on-demand production of supplements tailored to individual dietary needs, enhancing bioavailability and offering personalized nutrition profiles.
Technical specifications
- Direct Ink Writing (DIW): Utilizes nutrient-rich pastes or gels, allowing for micro-dosing and maintaining ingredient integrity.
- Digital Light Processing (DLP): Provides high-resolution support and encapsulation through photopolymerizable resins, enabling structural versatility and controlled release.
- Applications: Capable of producing various ingestible forms such as tablets, capsules, and gummies, this technology supports multi-phase formulations and compartmentalized carriers.
- Integration: Features a modular design for easy integration into existing manufacturing systems, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, with a proof-of-concept hybrid system under development. The upcoming phases will focus on formulation, integration, and validation to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach for personalized nutritional supplement production.
About University of Denver
The University of Denver is a mid-sized private research university with a comprehensive academic profile and an applied, partnership‑oriented culture. Industry collaborates on campus through engineering and computing facilities, shared instrumentation, and prototyping studios designed for sponsored work and rapid iteration. An entrepreneurship hub and incubator‑style programs link faculty and students with Denver’s startup and corporate community, enabling pilots, capstones, and talent pipelines. The university’s proximity to the Denver Tech Center, the Front Range aerospace and energy corridor, and nearby federal laboratories supports convenient site access and frequent engagement. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, and commercialization is backed by a dedicated technology transfer office for IP and licensing.
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