Jan.13, 2014
Rainbow Coral Corp (OTCBB: RBCC) announces today its joint venture partner, Nano3D Biosciences (n3D), has developed the first commercially available 3D bio printer designed for high throughput and high-content drug screening.
3D bioprinting is the process of fabricating biological constructs, typically by dispensing cells on a biocompatible scaffold using a successive layer-by-layer approach in much the same way that a 3-D printer operates. This process can generate tissue-like 3-D structures that are highly useful for clinical testing, assays and experimentation, but the precarious viability of these constructs, combined with their extreme cost, have been a major barrier to widespread adoption of the technology.
New technology developed by n3D may have eliminated these issues, however. RBCC and n3D have joined forces to develop and market the BiO Assay, a new automated toxicity assay system based on magnetic 3D bioprinting. According to the company, the system uses biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles to print cells into 3D structures much faster and more affordably than competing bioprinting tech made by competitors such as Organovo.
"We see incredible market potential for this system in the pharmaceutical and CRO industries, where the BiO Assay can be integrated early in the drug discovery process as a compound screen for toxicity and efficacy with minimal turnover," said RBCC CEO Kimberly Palmer. "We believe that magnetic 3D bioprinting could be the future of regenerative medicine and organogenesis."
RBCC formed a biotech subsidiary, Rainbow Biosciences, to market and develop new medical and research technology innovations and in 2012, Rainbow Biosciences acquired an equity interest in n3D.
In October, a paper describing the innovative system's use in a study of the effects of ibuprofen and sodium dodecyl sulfate on the viability and migration of human embryonic kidney and tracheal smooth muscle cells was published today by Scientific Reports.
First, cells are levitated to induce ECM formation (top). Then, cells are mechanically disrupted using pipette action (center), and patterned into ring shapes (bottom). After removing the magnetic field, the rings close over time, and the rate of closure is measured as a function of drug concentration. Scale bar = 100μm.
Posted in 3D Printing Technology
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this is an initiative that will save many lifes worldwide
Sophie wrote at 1/13/2014 6:09:16 PM:
Rainbow Coral Corp are described on businessweek as: "Rainbow Coral Corp. operates a retail fish store and coral farm facility. It raises various ornamental animals, including coral and the live food they require for nutrition, as well as fresh water and salt water fish and invertebrates." They have mysteriously suddenly diversified into drug delivery development and the Rainbow Biosciences President, Kimberly Palmer, seems to be non-existent. Some might say, this smells a little fishy...
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