New Molecular 3D Printer Can Create Billions of Compounds

ErnieKey writes: University of Illinois researchers have created a device, called a Molecular-Machine, which essentially manufactures on the molecular compound level. Martin Burke, the lead researcher on this project says that they are already able to synthesize over a billion different compounds with the machine, compounds which up until now have been very difficult to synthesize. The impact on the pharmaceutical industry could be staggering.

Comments

Re:Replicator prototype

[ColdWetDog]

Nope, it's much close to what Neil Stephenson describes in the 'Diamond Age' although calling it a 'printer' is a bit disingenuous. It looks like a complicated solid phase chemistry setup. And it only 'prints' four classes of simple molecules.

But it is interesting. It's not your father's organic chemistry any more.

Re:Replicator prototype

[RingDev]

If I am reading this correctly, no. It does not appear to have significant value at the production level. The cost per quantity is astronomical. But what it can be used for is rapid prototyping. Say you have an idea for a new doping agent for a photovoltaic cell. Previously, you would have to either manually concoct the agent, or you would have to design a production system to make it for you. Both of which are incredibly time and financially intensive, especially for something that is just a theory. This machine would allow you to "print" a small batch of your agent, enough to do a proof of concept so that you can determine if it is worth moving forward with a production system to produce it more efficiently.

-Rick

Re:Diamonds?

[ShanghaiBill]

Diamonds are carbon-based, but can they be 3D-Printed ?

With a combination of CVD and deposition masks, it may be possible to someday 'print' diamonds in complex 3D shapes. We can already do this with silicon, which is chemically closest to carbon. Most silicon photolithography is subtractive, but it can also be additive.