Jan 15 2014
Rainbow Coral Corp.’s joint venture partner, Nano3D Biosciences (n3D), has developed the first commercially available 3D bioprinting system designed for high throughput and high-content drug screening, and the global market potential for the device points to very bright future for the company.
3D bioprinting is the process of fabricating biological constructs, typically by dispensing cells on a biocompatible scaffold using a successive layer-by-layer approach in much the same way that a 3-D printer operates. This process can generate tissue-like 3-D structures that are highly useful for clinical testing, assays and experimentation, but the precarious viability of these constructs, combined with their extreme cost, have been a major barrier to widespread adoption of the technology.
New technology developed by n3D may have eliminated these issues, however. RBCC and n3D have joined forces to develop and market the BiO Assay, a new automated toxicity assay system based on magnetic 3D bioprinting. The revolutionary system uses biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles to print cells into 3D structures much faster and more affordably than competing bioprinting tech made by competitors such as Organovo Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ONVO).
In October, a paper describing the innovative system’s use in a study of the effects of ibuprofen and sodium dodecyl sulfate on the viability and migration of human embryonic kidney and tracheal smooth muscle cells was published today by Scientific Reports, the new open-access journal from the highly respected Nature Publishing line.
“We see incredible market potential for this system in the pharmaceutical and CRO industries, where the BiO Assay can be integrated early in the drug discovery process as a compound screen for toxicity and efficacy with minimal turnover,” said RBCC CEO Kimberly Palmer. “We believe that magnetic 3D bioprinting could be the future of regenerative medicine and organogenesis.”
RBCC formed a biotech subsidiary, Rainbow Biosciences, to market and develop new medical and research technology innovations to compete alongside companies such as Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) and Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN). In 2012, Rainbow Biosciences acquired an equity interest in n3D.
About Rainbow Biosciences
Rainbow Biosciences, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rainbow Coral Corp. (OTCBB: RBCC). The Company continually seeks out new partnerships with biotechnology developers to deliver profitable new medical technologies and innovations. For more information on our growth-oriented business initiatives, please visit www.RainbowBioSciences.com. For investment information and performance data on the Company, please visit www.RainbowBioSciences.com/investors.html.