We’ve seen 3-D printers for rapid prototyping for a while now. And, the prices for these printers have been dropping to ‘home-affordable’ over the past few years (e.g., last May’s Cerebrations). Given these facts, Dr. Lee Cronin (University of Glasgow) heading a research group at the University of Glasgow (with Drs. Symes, Kitson, Yan, Richmond, Cooper, Bowman, and Vilbrandt of Uformia in Norway) developed yet another use for 3D printers- producing chemicals. They presented their findings in Nature.
Using Fab@Home open source 3D printers (roughly $2K apiece),Cronin used silicone bathroom sealant (Loctite 5366) to produce the reaction chambers (the chemical reactors). The labware (reaction chambers) were designed using Rhino3d software. (This means that the design models need to be exported to the .STL file format for employment in the printer.) Once the reaction chambers were formed and solidified, the same printer was used to “print” the reactants (the chemicals that combine to form the new compounds desired). The developers’ concept is to download an app (like you can for the WebOS, Adroid, and iOS platforms) for a given compound (or drug), order a few chemical inks, and voila- you can produce the drug you need. 
That’s a ways off right now, though. This first phase involved two reaction chambers connected to a central mixing compartment. Using inorganic and organic chemicals, Cronin produced a variety of compounds. The group even managed to incorporate a catalyst in one of their reactions. (If you scroll down to the Supplementary Information for the Nature article, you can see videos for some of the reactions.)
The shape of the reaction vessels can also affect how a chemical reacts- so these vessels will need careful design, as well. By changing the size of the central mixing chamber (such as making it smaller), one can effect ‘limiting reagent’ reactions. For those reactions that require heat inputs, metallic elements could be incorporated into the reaction vessels, which would heat up if placed in a microwave oven. It may also be possible to print a reaction chamber with a window so that the progress of the reaction could be seen.
Dr. Cronin hopes to have folks in developing countries produce their own ibuprofen, after they had downloaded plans for the reaction vessels and purchased special reagent kits. It’s not quite as farfetched as I first thought when I heard this, because there are moves afoot to distribute 3D printers to the developing nations (so they can print their own bicycles).
I’m not sure whether I’m more troubled or amazed by this advance. Is ibuprofen that expensive or in short supply that this is the best solution? I know J&J, Novartis and Mylan Pharmaceuticals (just to name a few) donate thousands of tons of medical supplies (including aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin A) to developing countries every year as “gifts-in-kind” write offs….
Tor Constantino recently posted..Putting My Money (…you know where…)
Generally, the donations are for the more expensive drugs- not the mundane ones. But, I, too, was a little confounded- except for the more remote locations, I didn’t see the application. The concept though is to get to those locations that are remote with several reactor kits. Each reactor kit has the ability to make hundreds of dosages. And, only 1 at a time are made- so shelf life is not an issue.
This is the stuff of Star Trek, Roy. Seriously some neat things on the horizon. The darker side of this is, that there will be another level of the war on drugs now too. The days where people smuggled actual drugs across boarders will be replaced with hi-tech apps and such. But even with that in mind as being a possible this could save consumers a lot of money in time. The future of this kind of thing is amazing!
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Flower Bike by Lisa Brandel
I did think about “designer drugs” being made in this fashion, Lisa. But, thankfully, the side-reactions are problematic- and would probably render more than a few 3D printers to be confetti-makers…
It is truly amazing that a printer could produce drugs. I have never seen a 3D printer so this is not something I can really get a grasp on.
I always learn something new when I read your posts, Roy.
Janette Fuller recently posted..Books, War Dogs and Me
I think there are videos of the devices (which “print” layers of plastics, metals, chemicals, that are millimeters in thickness, repeatedly, thereby “building up” the part) on my site, Janette.
Thanks for the visit.
Roy
Wow future generations can give their kids home pharmacy kits…. it’s kind of scary.
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..JOURNALING
Actually, I think it’s more likely that kids will give their parents the produced pharmaceuticals…
I wonder though -will the pharmaceutical companies do what the petrol companies have done and quickly step on all this research to prevent them from losing their control on the very lucrative pill, placebo and drug market? I await the day of the replicator but unfortunately I see mankind a long way from doing this
Roberta Budvietas, recently posted..How Has the Web/Internet changed Business?
I am not sure they care about ibuprofen- not that it’s not profitable, Roberta, but it’s generic. And, don’t forget, someone will figure out how this would be proprietary…
I knew about 3-D CAD computers from years ago. I also knew that computers could cut things using CAD programs most generally in metal and plastics. This idea of 3-D prototyping printers is really cool. I’m sure the technology will be used for good and bad like all technology, but hopefully the good will prevail. Interesting piece, Roy.
Technology is agnostic, Ann. It’s how it’s used that renders whether it provides good or bad.
Thanks for the visit- and the recollections you added to the discussion.
Roy
Wow – printers producing pills. Pretty amazing and scary. It does make one wonder about the escalating misuse of drugs. Even ibuprofen. Especially if overused. Fascinating Roy!
Suerae Stein recently posted..Fab Foto Friday – Ode to the… Dandelion?
We can only hope it’s done right, Suerae!
I guess there are natural compounds that may not be that easily replicated, like cocaine for instances, but, how about LSD? – downloading the app from some obscure site. It sounds scary, doesn’t it?
Gustavo recently posted..Remembering dreams.
It’s not just the reactants, but the reactor. And, yes, Gustavo, I have no doubts it WILL happen.
Roy
Yes, I too know about and saw my cousin work on a CAD machine for my jewelry making business. I didn’t know about the 3D printers. This is again, amazing information you are sharing Roy. Especially because I didn’t know how popular ibuprofen is, who knew? not me!! Thanks for sharing.
Lynn Brown recently posted..Building Confidence for Online Business Success
We have had the opportunity to use CAD/CAM for a long tjme now. But, this makes our prototyping even easier. Hlsd you liked tge post, Lynn!
Hmmm….scratching head…interesting. Shelf life issue resolution has value especially re: remote areas but pharmaceuticals most likely won’t if it means a hit to their profits in any way…I can’t begin to imagine regulatory issues and, frankly, not sure I would trust myself to create my own. I think I’ll leave that to the experts – of course, I have the luxury of driving to a local CVS to get what I need.
Tambre Leighn/coaching by tambre recently posted..Fertility, Parenthood & Cancer Survivors
That’s an issue, Tambre’. We have free access to so many things; it’s hard yo recognize the chasm thst separates us.
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your website is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
ioana moise recently posted..Man And Van
Glad I made this clear for you, Ioana! That’s why I post.
Roy
Hi to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this web page, and your views are fastidious in
support of new people.
Camilla’s Rubbish Blog recently posted..Camilla’s Rubbish Blog
Glad you dropped in and left your thoughts, Danelle (Camilla?). And, I’m thrilled you liked it.
If you truly like to present your creativity and also impress your close friends with high-tech wizardry afterward consider buying for
a three-dimensional (3D) printer. Already well-established
in advanced design studios, the cost of a very few fundamental 3D printers has
dropped to under $5,000 starting them to home use.
This is a bit too commercial a statement. I prefer having conversations with my readers on the blog. But, because you are offering readers a chance to see 3D printers, I will allow this sort of comment- once. And, never again.
Roy
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.
Even more tips recently posted..Even more tips
Thank you, Kristian!
“Would you like your printed drugs as an oral or suppository?”
James recently posted..New 3D printing materials and advanced 3D printing technology videos
I don’t think it would make a difference – technically– but I doubt I would decide on a suppository…