Plastics Expertise at IPFL Revolutionises Drug Testing
A leading British manufacturing firm has introduced technologies that promise to revolutionise drug testing in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
IPFL's Micro 3D Printing services enable the production of intricate three-dimensional structures with previously unachievable resolution. With Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) equipment produced by Boston Micro Fabrication, structures can be manufactured with dimensions as small as 40 microns and an overall resolution of two microns - about the size of a fine dust particle. IPFL is the only firm in Europe that currently offers this PµSL technology.
This level of resolutionopens upthe possibility of using 3D Micro Printing to create microfluidic channels for pharmaceutical testing products. These include organ-on-chip, body-on-chip and lab-on-chip devices, which can simulate key characteristics of human tissues on artificial products. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have recently pioneered the design of a 3D-printed body-on-chip device that simulates how a drug circulates within human tissues and a miniaturised circulatory system.
IPFL's PµSL printing processes could produce these chips in quantity, leading to the reduction or even the future elimination of animals in pharmaceutical testing.
IPFL's experience and expertise with plastics contribute to microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field in other ways. The firm can also offer state-of-the-art diffusion bonding services, where advanced polymers such as acrylic, COC (Cyclic Olefin Copolymer) and Ultem are fused at a molecular level under finely controlled temperatures and pressures.
Traditional 3D printing and bonding methods can cause contamination or compromise the integrity and accuracy of microfluidic channels. These new processes allow the fabrication of clearer, cleaner, and more durable microfluidic systems, which provide the accuracy and repeatability needed for scientific research.
Adam Bloomfield, Additive Manufacturing Manager at IPFL, said: "This unique combination of high-precision fabrication and advanced bonding techniques positions IPFL as a leader in the field of microfluidic device manufacturing, ready to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.
"Our commitment to innovation and quality ensures that we continue to offer our clients the very best in microfabrication solutions, driving forward the possibilities of medical research and diagnostics."
About IPFL
IPFL is a family-run business with a heritage of industry-leading expertise in the manufacture of bespoke plastic parts. Founded in 1969, the company built a reputation for high-quality prototype and experimental plastic parts. Continually embracing new technologies while retaining its expertise and artisanal skills, IPFL adopted CNC machining in the 1980s and 3D printing in 2003 - making it one of the earliest adopters in the industry. The firm has continued to adopt the latest developments in technology, technique and materials and now offers industry-leading quality and precision.
Specialising in prototype, bespoke, and on-demand parts, IPFL's services are utilised across various industries, including automotive and motorsport, medical and pharmaceutical, scientific instrumentation, film and TV, and Defence and Security, among many applications. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction positions it as a leader in the field of plastic part manufacturing.
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