Jedi jam and bioprinting

In this episode of What is a Membrane?, host Dr Matt Derry is joined by Dr Emma Shepherd, Dr Dominic Mosses, and Dr David Jenkins to explore the groundbreaking Quantum X bio printer at Aston University — the first of its kind in the UK.

Installed in 2024 with support from the BBSRC, this cutting-edge bioprinter uses ultra-precise lasers to create intricate 3D structures of living cells within a gel scaffold — mimicking real organ and tissue environments. The team discusses how this revolutionary technology is transforming research into diseases, drug development, and tissue engineering.

Dr Shepherd explains the process with a little help from “Jedi jelly” and “lightsabres,” while Dr Jenkins shares how brain and liver tissues can now be printed to study real-life biological systems in stunning detail. Dr Mosses also highlights why this printer sets a new standard in bioprinting.

Discover how this sci-fi-sounding tech is advancing science in real time.

Learn more about the Quantum X bio printer and how researchers can access it by emailing: [email protected].