Name: Print your own medicine
Uploaded: 2013-02-07T16:02:29Z
Duration: 2 min 49 s
Description: Chemist Lee Cronin is working on a 3D printer that, instead of objects, is able to print molecules. An exciting potential long-term application: printing your own medicine using chemical inks.

Chemist Lee Cronin is working on a 3D printer that, instead of objects, is able to print molecules. An exciting potential long-term application: printing your own medicine using chemical inks.

Print your own medicine

Chemistry and digital technology are converging to create 3D printers that can produce molecules on demand. In one lab, researchers have prototyped a system that prints both chemical vessels and targeted molecules, using universal 'chemical inks.' This approach could make it possible to manufacture medicine at home or anywhere it's needed, simply by downloading a blueprint. On-the-fly drug creation could transform healthcare, making treatments hyper-personalized and widely accessible.

Printing Medicine: Chemistry Meets 3D Printers And Personalized Health

chemistry

health care

medical research

medicine

science

synthetic biology

biotech

engineering

biology

software

future

innovation

invention

product design

3D printing

technology

manufacturing

drugs

TED Stage Talk

Lee Cronin: Print your own medicine