Food Printer

A proof-of-concept device that combines 3D printing with multi-wavelength lasers may bring us one step closer to Star Trek replicators by digitally printing dinner and cooking it too. The ability to control ingredients within millimeter precision could turn the technology into a sophisticated tool for delivering a unique culinary experience.

Researchers experimented by putting chicken in a blender and extruding the puree through the printer nozzle in layers about one-eighth-inch (3 mm) thick. A blue laser beam was passed over each layer to cook it to a safe temperature, and an infrared laser was used to brown the outside for flavor. The samples were evaluated for cooking depths, moisture retention, flavor and color. Results showed that the laser-cooked meat shrank 50 percent less than chicken cooked conventionally. It also retained twice the moisture and had a similar flavor. The next steps will include testing out other foods and multi-ingredient recipes.

A device like this could someday be combined with CAD-like software and digital “cookbooks” to produce a wide range of dishes that can be customized for individual tastes and dietary requirements…not to mention some highly elaborate shapes and designs.