Leading the Charge in Drug Testing Through Micro 3D Printing
Blazing a trail in modern medical technology, micro3D is expanding its Micro 3D Printing offerings to push the frontiers of drug testing and reduce the reliance on animal-based research models. With over five decades of expertise in crafting high-precision plastic components, our commitment to innovation continues to redefine how pharmaceutical research and development move forward.
PµSL 3D Printing for High-Resolution Medical Applications
Utilising advanced Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) and harnessing the capabilities of Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) technology, micro3D achieves exceptional resolutions—down to 2µm—for complex microfluidic channels. This precision underpins the development of cutting-edge devices such as lab-on-a-chip, organ-on-a-chip, and body-on-a-chip systems, all designed to more accurately replicate human physiological processes.
Industry Spotlight: University of Edinburgh’s Body-on-Chip
Recent research by scientists at the University of Edinburgh has showcased the promise of 3D-printed body-on-chip devices as potential replacements for animal testing in early-stage drug trials. Europe currently relies on approximately 80,000 animals annually for these studies; micro3D’s advancements in microfluidic development support efforts to both lower this number and enhance the reliability of drug testing methods.
These miniaturised systems contain compartments that simulate key organs—connected by channels that mimic human circulatory pathways—allowing researchers to analyse how a drug navigates and reacts within the human body without resorting to ethically complex animal models.
