Aether and UCL collaborate to develop 3D printed nanotech

A collaboration between Aether, the Californian bioprinter startup, and University College London (UCL) promises to develop a powerful new approach to 3D printing nanotechnology, while greatly reducing the cost compared with competitor offerings.

A collaboration between Aether, the Californian bioprinter startup, and University College London (UCL) promises to develop a powerful new approach to 3D printing nanotechnology, while greatly reducing the cost compared with competitor offerings.

The collaboration, which also includes Loughborough University, will focus on development of an ink containing nanoparticles which can act as a nanosurgical tool, a delivery system for pharmaceuticals and bioactives, or a mechanical and structural support system.

Nanoparticles developed for this ink respond to specific wavelengths, and have a broad range of biology applications, such as photothermal destruction of cancer cells, cancer detection, gene therapy, drug delivery, and nerve regeneration. 

The project will use a custom Aether 3D bioprinter featuring a laser system at an application-specific wavelength. The laser system will be seamlessly integrated into the bioprinter and controlled with a simple and intuitive user interface.

“Combining 3D printing with nanotechnology is the beginning of a new generation of medical research…” said Ryan Franks, CEO and Founder of Aether. “We don’t agree with holding a life-saving technology hostage so a few executives and investors can get rich, so we’re fighting to democratize it.”