Inventia Rastrum 3D Bioprinter

Culturing cells in 2D has been the bedrock of biomedical research for decades — it is simple and efficient. But there's a problem with this approach — cells in the body don't grow in 2D. 3D cell models better represent human tissues and more accurately replicate biological processes and drug responses. The process of creating 3D cell models is currently a time consuming and expensive manual process. The challenge was to develop a user-friendly device that would allow researchers to create realistic 3D cell models accurately and quickly, in a repeatable and scalable way, accelerating discovery and helping to generate high-impact research.

RASTRUM is a bench-top device that prints 3D cell models, using living human cells, quickly and efficiently within a safe, self-contained environment. RASTRUM makes the creation of 3D cell models easy, efficient and reproducible. A bespoke Vial Tray provides bio-inks and support materials for each print and houses living cells ready for printing. A sophisticated system of compressed-air lines and miniature solenoid valves builds living cells and support materials into detailed 3D structures on a microplate. A laminar airflow system means RASTRUM doesn‘t need to be inside a bio-safety cabinet — enclosed air runs through HEPA filters, protecting cells from contamination.

Using RASTRUM, researchers are able to produce in hours what may have previously taken days or weeks. The speed of delivering 3D cell models means researchers can conduct significantly more experiments, screening thousands of treatment drugs and effectively turbo-charging their research into cancer treatment. Because 3D cell models better represent human tissues, they also more accurately replicate biological processes and drug responses, helping to generate high-impact research. 3D technologies such as RASTRUM will transform the working environments of drug research laboratories, bringing higher levels of realism, efficacy and the potential to print tissues, skin and organs in the future.

• Unique technology places individual cell types and matrix components drop-by-drop, layer-by-layer. • Compact standalone benchtop unit. • Simple connections — USB, power and compressed air. 10 minutes to install. • Completely integrated laminar airflow system with dual HEPA filtration. • Extremely intuitive and user friendly software. • Automated workflows built for biologists to save valuable time. • Simple user interface uses status lights, there are no buttons to push. • Print different cell types and matrix components simultaneously from 10 independently addressable nozzles. • Rapid fly-by printing generates a full plate of 3D models in under 60 mins. • Control the placement of droplets as small as 50 nanolitres • Removable stainless steel surfaces make cleaning easy.