Several European partners are involved in a 3D printing project that could aid in the development of lower cost vaccines, including vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Dubbed NESSIE, the project uses high resolution ceramic 3D printing, provided by Lithoz, to produce chromatographic columns purifying adenoviruses, which can be deployed as vectors for delivering genes or vaccine antigens to humans. The goal of the project is to increase the efficiency with which vaccines are produced. We will be interviewing Lithoz to learn more about the project next week.

Face shields continue to be produced and delivered to healthcare providers. The University of Nottingham’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM) are now producing face shields using 3D printing for local healthcare workers with the goal of delivering 5,000. Based off of HP’s open source design and featuring a PA12 nylon printed strap and laser-cut straps and visor, the face shield has passed BSI testing and is CE approved. The device has been approved to personal protective equipment eye protection technical specifications.