World first: 3D bioprinter installed at Peter Mac to accelerate cancer research

The Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics (VCFG) at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is the first lab to install the RASTRUM™ system - made by Inventia Life Sciences - and the first to apply this time-saving technology to cancer research.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute installed the first model of RASTRUM™ , which promises to dramatically accelerate research into potential new cancer drugs.

It will allow scientists to print 3D cell models at unprecedented speed, replacing a time-consuming and manual process. 

The printer can produce 1,000 three-dimensional cell models in less than six hours, a task that would take more than 50 hours using current manual techniques.

It should dramatically expand capacity for research and drug development in cell models.

“This is a novel and exciting platform for cancer research,” Associate Professor Kaylene Simpson, Head of the VCFG at Peter Mac says. 

“The ability to create realistic three-dimensional cell models through an automated and scalable process will vastly accelerate our research progress and advance therapeutic target discovery.

“We have a very clear vision for the clinical applications of this technology.”