Glasgow University is pioneering the use of technology in which 3D printers are used to create drugs. Ultimately, they expect the technology to be used in customised drugs. The researchers said they are taking chemical constituents, passing them through a printer and creating a chemical synthesiser in which the reaction occurs allowing the operator to get out something different at the end. Therefore, when the process is completed, pharmaceutical companies or even individuals will be able to buy common chemicals, slot them into something that 3D prints, just press a button to mix the ingredients and filter them through the architecture and at the bottom would turn out the drug. It may sound too futuristic to be true, but the future will become true. 3D printing technology is already being used and further developed – this is just a mind-blowing logical development.
There is still a fair bit to do to bring this to market. The next step is for the scientists to switch ingredients and replicate drugs already available in pharmacies. They also hope to work with engineers to increase the printer’s speed and resolution. And then there will be the regulatory side to worry about given that people will be able to download recipes and print out their own medicines. The scientists say this will revolutionise healthcare when it becomes a reality, and it is not hard to see why.
Print out your own drugs, anyone?!