Researchers May Bring Molecular Manufacturing to Us Sooner Than we Could Ever Imagine

[Brian_Krassenstein]

In an incredible discovery which may have numerous applications in the future, two Virginia Tech researchers were able to genetically 3D print protein fibers. Their work which they sort of stumbled upon accidentally may one day allow for the molecular manufacturing of all sorts of objects, simply by programming a genetic code, and relying on molecular self assembly to play out. Currently the researchers are working on extending the size of the fibers they were able to produce. They consider this a genetic version of 3D printing. more details on this research can be found here: http://3dprint.com/11243/genetic-3d-printing-fibers/

Below is one of the researchers, Justin Barone. Let's hear your thoughts on this incredible discovery:

[zthigpen]

This is quite amazing! I don't know about turning garbage into whatever we want, but the future is here. MIT has already been on top of self assembling materials, though they are inorganic: http://3dprint.com/4836/3d-printed-s...mbling-robots/. The possibilities once you talk about molecular manufacturing is endless. From medicine to food, keep a close eye on this.

[Hedron]

Weave extruded fibers together using spinnerets, that's how spiders do it, http://goodsky.homestead.com/files/semspinneret.jpg