MolToys creates scientifically-accurate molecular models and molecular jewelry. Our models were designed to engage students and science enthusiasts of all ages, from primary through graduate school. We aim to advance STEM education by taking science off the page and into your hands.
Our models are used by:
- Schools and universities to enhance science curriculums
- Physicians and health professionals to help patients understand the biological mechanisms of diseases
- Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies to train sales and marketing teams
- Scientists to help explain new discoveries and advancements in their field
- Nerds like us who love science and molecular jewelry!
Our models are made using x-ray crystallographic data from published science articles. These data points contain the XYZ coordinates of various atoms that compose a protein’s structure and shape. We use this structural data along with 3D software to build our molecular models.
To build our models, the 3D files are converted into a series of horizontal layers. These layers are sent to a 3D printer where they are printed layer upon layer, until the model has taken full shape.
Our amino acid beads were scaled from their original atomic proportions to 1-2 cm in length, thereby making our amino acids 20 million times actual size. That means that a 2 centimeter long amino acid bead on your necklace actually represents 1 nanometer in real life.
MolToys was created in 2008 by Jon Huntoon and Graham Johnson. Our models were initially created using an in-house 3D-printer, until production shifted in 2010 to Shapeways, providing a more effective platform for production and distribution.
