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In-Depth Information
The notion of running chemical reactions inside a special container isn't
new. Vessels, or containers, that contribute and catalyze chemical reactions
have been a necessary part in any large commercial laboratories for years now.
What's disruptive is the ability to catalyze sophisticated chemical reactions
using low-cost tools that are readily available.
Combinations of chemicals and materials that were once dificult to bring
together open up a new design space that will allow chemists to explore ini-
nitely more types of new chemical compounds. This means fast exploration
and innovation, but could also mean new unregulated substances, or new
recreational drugs.
In the abstract of his breakthrough paper on this project, Lee Cronin
describes its potential: “Three-dimensional (3D) printing has the potential
to transform science and technology by creating bespoke, low-cost appliances
that previously required dedicated facilities to make.”
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In other words, the
central control exercised by the drug and chemical industries will be chal-
lenged by low-cost tools of design and production.
The more powerful the technology, the more grotesque and far-reaching
its potential abuses. So-called “do-it-yourself” (DIY) drug production breaks
down the relatively uniform and consistent recipes for making drugs and
compounds. Having people design and produce their own drugs and powerful
chemicals could present a regulatory nightmare.
Today's War on Drugs in the U.S. has already failed miserably. Prisons
are stuffed full of non-violent offenders and precious tax dollars are spent on
arresting drug users rather than on lower-cost and more effective drug reha-
bilitation programs. Deaths from prescription drug overdoses have soared in
developed nations. Imagine the devastation if people could fabricate a batch
of their favored mood-altering chemical concoction at home by printing the
necessary reactionware.
Mini chemical factories would introduce another risk: unrecognized chemi-
cal substances. Most drugs and household substances are classiied into rec-
ognizable categories. Therefore, in the case of accidental poisoning or a drug
overdose, medical professionals have a standard framework that helps them
understand the chemical's effect on the body and how to treat it. If people
were to print up designer drugs or solutions, the medical profession would
have a much harder time iguring out what, exactly, the person ingested and
what the antidote should be.
