Before taking the 3d digital design class, I thought that 3d printing only could make objects using plastic, metal or other hard, inedible materials. However, during this class, I have learned that 3d print can actually use edible materials that can possibly “print” food.

Recently, a large number of 3d printing startups all over the world introduced 3d printing technology that can produce food. Now we can use 3d printer to print food – from a simple hard cookie to various types of dessert, delicate cake decorations and even pizza toppings. 3d food printing technology will not only allow us to print food that we can eat, but also would have several positive effects on our lives.

One example is the new plan introduced by European-based project PERFORMANCE – Personalized Food for the Nutrition of Elderly Consumers – to use 3d food printing technology to supply food for the elderly. They are planning to make 3d printed food for the elderly who have lost their eating abilities, that are easy to chew and swallow but has the same taste, texture and nutritional value as regular food.

With a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), NASA is conducting a study for the development of a 3d printed food system for long duration space missions. Although it will take several years from now for this project to be tested on an actual space flight, the possibility of generating food in space using 3d printing technology will offer a potential of new space missions.

In the near future, we will be able to taste all kinds of regional cuisine without having to actually go to the place. For example, on a cold, snowy day in January, I can easily print fresh bowl of Udon from Shikoku in my home kitchen without stepping outside. I can also taste the famous Noma’s ants dish without going to Copenhagen.

Also, 3d food printing will make possible to convert alternative ingredients such as insects and leaves that have not been used as cooking ingredients. This will highly impact our lives by broadening the range of ingredients we can choose to cook from.

However, my question is, how will we ensure the sanitization if we are getting all kinds of ingredients from a single machine? Also, how are we going to control the kinds and amount of food we generate by 3d printing? I also think that illegal import and export of ingredients may become a huge issue. I think there must be strict rules and regulations made before food 3d printing become accessible to the general public.

 

http://3dprintingindustry.com/food/

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/feature_3d_food_prt.htm

http://3dprinting.com/food/

https://www.naturalmachines.com

http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?art_id=3783275