Chemists and researchers at the University of Glasgow have pioneering a process where a 3D printer can use synthesis to “print” chemicals from simple, widely available starting compounds that are fed into a series of water bottle–size reactors.
This could “digitize” chemistry, allowing users to manufacture almost any compound anywhere in the world.
Out of toothpaste? Time to do the laundry? Have a headache?
The possibilities seem endless – print your own toothpaste, soap, laundry detergent, pain medication…
This amazing visualization shows how the process will work:
A step-by-step visualization of the Cronin group’s synthesis of baclofen in a 3-D-printed reactor. Credit: Philip J. Kitson, Jean-Patrick Francoia, Dario Caramelli, and Leroy Cronin
Want to learn more?
- Chemical and Engineering News: https://cen.acs.org/articles/96/i4/3-D-printed-reactors-construct.html
- ScienceMag: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/01/you-could-soon-be-manufacturing-your-own-drugs-thanks-3d-printing
As co-founder of STEAMism and TimeforAI, Divya is a creative force with a million ideas running through her head at any single moment. She is motivated and curious - involving herself in multiple initiatives, including being a VolunTeen at Thinkery Children's Museum and a Teen Court volunteer.. She loves debate, writing, learning, connecting to others, and mentoring.
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