Studying bacteria using 3D printing technology

Bacteria are usually very active creatures. They are concentrated in diverse, continuous, interactive communities, combined with their 'brothers' as well as the same bacteria.

These interactions can make bacteria more dangerous, more toxic, or more resistant to the antibiotics that humans produce. Now, with 3D print technology, scientists can understand how they develop.

This technique is no different to 3D print technology, but instead of printing a bacterial model, scientists create cells with gelatin - where bacteria communities can reproduce. These boards can be designed in any three-dimensional shape, from the pyramid to the multi-sphere model. Biochemist Jason Shear of the University of Texas at Austin, USA, said that with 3D printing technology, we will know the characteristics, shape, way of operation of the bacteria more easily.

With 3D printing technology, scientists have been able to create bacteria of a variety of sizes and shapes (Source: Jason B. Shear & PNAS).

Bacterial communities living together in a group are important factors in their ability to develop resistance. In many cases, these communities reinforce their structure with a biofilm, making the effects of antibiotics and human immune systems unbreakable.

A particularly dangerous example is the bacteria that cause cystic fibrosis in the lungs, which can often be blocked by antibiotics, but bacterial groups form protective membranes and so survive. Wait for the outbreak again. On average, patients with cystic fibrosis may live up to 30 years of age.

With the technology of printing 3D plates for microbes to grow, scientists will not only know how biofilms are formed but they will also find ways to break them down. completely destroy the bacteria.

Nowadays, the technology of creating 3D cubes for bacteria is still very expensive. In addition to finding ways to lower the price of this technology, scientists hope with the rapid development momentum of 3D printing technology, the type of 3D printing equipment will also reduce the cost of research.