HP BioPrinter; the dispenser that will bioimpress antibiotics

We have seen the US giant go way opening multiple sectors within the additive manufacturing from 3D color printing to 3D metal printing. Just recently they announced their new HP Metal Jet plans coming up. But it is not their only announcement this year. They opted for bioprinting with the HP BioPrinter. Although technically it is not a 3D bioprinter, and it reminds us more of the origins of this technique. This could potentially lead to the giant entering a new sector.

For several years now, the World Health Organisation has declared itself on alert. Partially by showing that the self-medication of antibiotics and incorrect prevention of infections has allowed many bacteria to evolve and become immune to drugs. Something that threatens to return us to the preantibiotic era. Because of this, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and HP have developed new bioprinted antibiotics that will combat this resistance.

HP D300e Digital Dispenser BioPrinter. Via HP

The 3D printed drugs have been known for some years. They were released when the drug Spritam created with additive technology was accepted into production as a specialised treatment of epilepsy manufactured by Aprecia. From these developments many more have been released such as the 3D printing of what will be the “all-in-one drug”. Like the Multiply Labs project; the personalised food supplies created with 3D printing, which release vitamins at selected times within our body.