Copper3D uses 3D printing to combat HIV transmission during breastfeeding

Using 3D printing, Chilean manufacturer Copper3D has just introduced a brand new device to combat HIV transmission during breastfeeding. The invention is a 3D printed breast pump nozzle made from an antibacterial material. The young startup is the originator of a filament that adds antimicrobial properties to different polymers such as PLA and TPU, thanks to copper nanoparticles. If successful at eliminating the transmission, this small device could have a major impact worldwide, especially considering that more than 430,000 children were affected by AIDS in 2017, resulting in 130,000 deaths.

Additive manufacturing can sometimes be a cure in the medical field. We are beginning to see the technology being deployed in hospitals to solve transplant challenges, surgeons being trained effectively on 3D printed anatomical models, and solutions being devised to combat very serious epidemics and diseases. This is the purpose for which Copper3D was created: the three founders initially focused on amputees. They realized that 40% of those who wore a prosthesis suffered from dermal disorders because of the bacteria contained in the medical device. That is why they developed an antibacterial material: a polymer containing copper nanoparticles capable of eliminating viruses, bacteria and fungi, and safe for humans. After obtaining their patent, the founders are now tackling one of the world’s most widespread viruses, HIV.

UNAIDS estimates that there were 26,000 children between the ages of 0 and 14 with AIDS in 2018

3D printing to combat HIV transmission during breastfeeding

Today, 90% of the children affected by AIDS in the world live in Africa and most of them die of AIDS at an early age because they do not have access to the care that others in the rest of the world could have. These children are usually affected from birth because of breastfeeding. UNAIDS estimates that there were 26,000 children between the ages of 0 and 14 with AIDS in 2018 due to cessation of treatment and breastfeeding. Faced with this global challenge, the startup Copper3D has therefore designed a 3D printed breast pump nozzle, a device designed with its antibacterial material.