BBC reports that scientists
from the University of Glasgow are
pioneering a £1,250 research that will use 3D
printing to create drugs and chemicals, some of which can be used to create
treatments for cancer. If successful, the process can be used to create
customized drugs and be made available to pharmaceutical companies in 5 years
and the public in 20 years.
The process will make use
of syringes that are controlled by robots to create objects from gel-based ink
where the chemicals and catalysts are mixed. Prof.
Lee Cronin said that they are “mixing the concept of the glassware and the
chemicals together in the 3D printer to create what we call 'reactionware’ …
you print the last reactionary agent first and then build other chemical layers
above, finally adding a liquid at the top. The liquid goes to layer one making
a new molecule which goes to the next layer creating another and so on until at
the bottom you get your prescription drug out."
Researchers have used
bathroom sealant for their reactor, but until now the substances they have
created are not yet suitable for human consumption. They also intend to
replicate the drugs already available in the market so pre-set recipes will be
available for download to doctors and individuals.
