Researchers at Glasgow University have developed a new process which they say can “print” drugs.
They are using 3D printing technology which could in theory lead to people having a “personal pharmacy” dispensing medicines at home.
A variety of molecules have already been made, including some anti-cancer drugs.
The team said its research could make it possible to diagnose an illness before it occurs – and produce a cure.
A new research paper, published in the journal Nature Chemistry, outlines how the process has been shown to work.
Using a commercially-available 3D printer operated by computer-aided design software, Prof Lee Cronin and his team have built what they call “reactionware”.
These are tiny vessels in which chemical reactions can take place – but the vessels have the chemicals that drive the reactions already built in.
