- The initiative combines advanced manufacturing and 3D printing technologies to create products that dissolve in the mouth without the need for water
- The project aims to improve the quality of life for elderly people and patients with neurodegenerative diseases through solutions adapted to their needs
Alicante (2026-08-24).- The Regional Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Innovation, and Trade, through Ivace+i Innovación, is funding a project aimed at developing a new generation of personalized nutraceutical products for people with swallowing difficulties, a problem that affects approximately 8% of the Spanish population and compromises both nutrition and adherence to numerous treatments.
The initiative proposes an alternative to conventional formats by developing orally dispersible films that dissolve directly in the mouth without the need for water. Thanks to this technology, patients will be able to administer essential nutrients and bioactive compounds more easily and safely, promoting treatment adherence and improving their quality of life.
The ‘DEGLUTECH’ project is led by Labinderb and developed in collaboration with Multi3DPrint, the Plastics Technology Institute (AIMPLAS), the Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), and Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH). The initiative also receives funding from the European Union through the FEDER Comunitat Valenciana program for the period 2021-2027.
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is one of the main causes of malnutrition, dehydration, and muscle mass loss among elderly people, as well as among patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis. In many cases, this limitation even hinders the intake of medications or nutritional supplements, which directly impacts the clinical evolution of patients.
To address this need, the consortium is working on the development of nutraceutical products specifically designed for this group. In contrast to traditional tablets or capsules, the initiative opts for personalized formats that adapt to both the therapeutic needs and the capabilities of each user.
Personalized Manufacturing through 3D Printing
One of the most innovative aspects of the project lies in combining pharmaceutical compounding technologies with advanced 3D printing systems. This integration allows for the manufacture of completely personalized products, adjusting composition, dosage, size, and shape according to the specific needs of each patient.
In addition to facilitating product administration, this process improves manufacturing efficiency and the reproducibility of the developed formats, which favors their future transfer to the healthcare sector and the nutraceutical industry.
The project also incorporates bioactive ingredients with functional properties aimed at preventing or improving problems associated with aging, especially those related to bone health, vision, or sleep quality. In this way, the initiative not only facilitates the administration of compounds but also incorporates a preventive approach aimed at promoting healthier aging.
Currently, the consortium is working on the formulation and validation of these new personalized products, as well as on optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure their stability, functionality, and adaptation to the specific needs of different patient profiles.
Collaboration within the Innovation System
The multidisciplinary team working on this initiative exemplifies cooperation among the main links in the innovation system. As coordinator, Labinderb laboratory contributes its expertise in the formulation and analysis of nutraceutical products, while another company, Multi3DPrint, develops the 3D printing manufacturing technologies that will enable the creation of completely personalized formats.
The adaptation of advanced pharmaceutical compounding and extrusion technologies for the development of these new products falls to AIMPLAS, which will thus optimize both manufacturing processes and the resulting formulations.
The health research center ISABIAL, for its part, provides the necessary clinical knowledge to define patient needs and validate the developed solutions from a healthcare perspective, while Miguel Hernández University of Elche participates in scientific research and the evaluation of the functionality of the new nutraceuticals.
‘DEGLUTECH’ aligns with the conclusions of the Strategic Committee for Specialized Innovation (CEIE) in Agri-Food, which advocates for developing and validating ingredients and products for specific groups or needs, such as allergies, intolerances, or the elderly. Likewise, the initiative is framed within the main axes of the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Valencian Community (S3), coordinated by the Regional Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Innovation, and Trade.