Scientists have created a 3D-printed drug testing device: it could end animal testing
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Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have 3D printed a device that shows the body’s response to drugs – it’s like a chip that imitates the human body.
According to scientists, this device can speed up patient access to new drugs and reduce or eliminate the need for animal testing, reports The Guardian.
The device has five compartments that reproduce the main human organs: heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and brain.
The compartments are connected by channels imitating the human circulatory system.
The device simulates the effect of drugs on the patient’s body and allows scientists to see the reaction of various organs without resorting to animal tests.
| Photo: The University of Edinburgh |
The plastic device uses positron emission tomography (PET) to create detailed 3D images that show what’s going on inside tiny organs.
A PET scan involves injecting tiny amounts of radioactive compounds into a chip to transmit signals to an extremely sensitive camera, allowing scientists to better assess the effects of new drugs.
“Essentially, it allows us to see where a new drug goes in the body and how long it stays there, without having to use a human or an animal to test it.” – says the main inventor of the device, Liam Carr.
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| The device could allow scientists to see how different organs react without resorting to animal testing |
The scientist assures that his invention can become a “valuable tool” for the study of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases.
“This device shows really strong potential to reduce the number of animals used around the world to test drugs and other compounds, especially in the early stages.”– believes Carr.
We will remind, earlier in Britain it was allowed to test cosmetics on animals after a 25-year ban.
Read also: Your cosmetics killed rabbits and not only: about animal tests and humane selection
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