[PSA/Article] This Chemistry 3D Printer Can Synthesize Molecules From Scratch

This Chemistry 3D Printer Can Synthesize Molecules From Scratch

Say you're a medical researcher interested in a rare chemical produced in the roots of a little-known Peruvian flower. It's called ratanhine, and it's valuable because it has some fascinating anti-fungal properties that might make for great medicines. Getting your hands on the rare plant is hard, and no chemical supplier is or has ever sold it. But maybe, thanks to the work of University of Illinois chemist Martin Burke, you could print it right in the lab.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a14528/the-chemistry-3d-printer-can-craft-rare-medicinal-molecules-from-scratch/

The future is going to be amazing, just imagine buying a small version of this badboy and throwing a bunch of ingredients and out comes your favorite chemical.

I wonder if/when it hits the scene, how much cheaper synthetic controlled drugs will be such as LSD.


Comments


[4 Points] aft3rm4th:

They would probably have a system in place that doesn't allow illicit substances or analogues of such, but that could probably be worked around software wise. Also it will probably be tens of thousands of dollars to get one


[3 Points] MrTaggPlatypus:

LSD for everyone? Yes please


[2 Points] UDNM:

You could literally design drugs on your computer!


[1 Points] samwhiskey:

Saw that in a different subreddit and thought about the uses for research chems and such.