Changing The Operating Room Scenario
Did you know that even in developed countries, 5-10% of all patients contract at least one hospital-acquired infection during their stay in an acute care facility? In the US healthcare industry, new infections and patient quality of life are in a critical state.
Copper3D, a start-up based in Chile/US, develops polymers and medical-grade products via 3D printing that eliminate a wide range of microorganisms and avoid infections. It is set to launch a new antiviral and biocompatible SLA resin called Glaciarys AR3, ideal for surgical and dental applications. This is in response to specific requests from surgeons and dentists looking for high-performance antimicrobial materials safe for use in surgical environments.
This is not Copper3D’s first venture, though. PLACTIVE was their flagship product, a highly effective additive PLA polymer that eliminates almost all fungi, viruses, and bacteria. It was tested in prosthesis for US war veterans with excellent results, but has other uses, like postoperative prostheses, wound dressings, surgical equipment, including applications for NASA purposes. In 2020, it was also used to make reusable, customizable, antimicrobial, and antiviral 3D printed face masks.
3D Printing and Healthcare Challenges
Copper3D is aiming to meet several healthcare challenges by developing antimicrobial 3D printing resins that can eliminate viral and bacterial presence from contaminated fluids, such as HIV from breast milk, or dangerous microorganisms from water, like E.coli, Salmonella, and Giardia lamblia. Copper3D is combining science, nanotechnology, and 3D printing to wage war against human infections.
Now the company is gearing up to offer solutions for very demanding segments, including healthcare, food, animal care, and aerospace industries.
