WolfBrother, thank you for the file editing. I saw your name in that thread too. We have a similar background, Chem. major who then went on to software and electronic hardware design.
Re the extraction process for Insulin, while it is not the simplest of procedures, it is well within the ability of someone with bio lab OR chem. lab experience. I feel confident that I could do this, given the equipment and necessary chemicals.
Therein lies the "rub"; some of the equipment is not cheap, nor easy to make in the home shop. If one has the need to get this equipment, then now is the time to start.
The chemicals used for the process are an even bigger problem, as they require another whole set of processes and the precursor chemicals for synthesis, where again, special equipment would make this much easier.
Given that one can stockpile a lot of the needed chemicals, before a SHTF event, it is still possible to do this. The precursor chemicals have an essentially unlimited lifetime, if properly stored, unlike Insulin itself, which degrades over time.
If a community of preppers were to recognize the need for this skill set and plan on doing the Insulin extraction on a larger enough scale, it is certainly possible.
WHY:
1) To keep people alive who would otherwise die fairly soon (within 2-3 years after a collapse).
2) To produce a highly valuable commodity which could make possible trade with other groups.
HOW:
1) Starting now, creating a store of equipment and chemicals needed for the extraction.
2) Locate those University and private labs which already have the equipment (and personnel) needed.
3) Establish contacts, now, with people who already have the needed skills, with the intent of making them part of your prepper group.
4) Plan on a source for animal pancreas stock. Remember that many animals can be a source and these same animals are a possible food source for your community.
Finally, I want to address the nay-sayers (some of whom posted comments to the linked articles and discussion);
YES, it is a difficult and likely dangerous process. YES, it is possible to make something which, if it doesn't outright kill someone, it can make them very ill.
SO, what do you do? Wait until you or your friends start dieing from lack of Insulin... OR try to make Insulin to keep you or they alive.
I know how I will act in this situation.
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