Bioprinting in free fall
Scientists have made cardiovascular tissues using 3D bioprinting in zero gravity
3Dpulse (based on Techshot: First Heart Structure 3D Printed in Zero Gravity With Adult Human Stem Cells – VM)
3D bioprinting is rapidly developing, but it is obvious that fully 3D-printed organs for transplantation will not be available for a long time. However, a consortium led by NASA contractor Techshot recently refuted the generally accepted opinion.
Together with the manufacturer of 3D bioprinters nScrypt and Bioficial Organs specialists, scientists have not only successfully produced cardiovascular structures from adult stem cells using 3D printing, but also did it in zero gravity. The team believes that this project can stimulate a breakthrough in developments in the field of 3D bioprinting on Earth.
Techshot has been developing technologies for NASA, SpaceX and other partners for more than 25 years. The company is also known for a combination of technologies in the aerospace and medical sectors, in particular, it produces medical devices for zero gravity conditions. nScrypt, in turn, has been working on microdistribution and 3D printing systems for many years - the company manufactured the world's first 3D bioprinter back in 2003. The third participant of the project, Bioficial Organs is a center from the Institute of Cardiovascular Innovation in Louisville.
On June 14, the team conducted an impressive test using its own prototype 3D bioprinter for zero gravity conditions on board a Zero Gravity Corporation aircraft. At an altitude of more than 9 km in microgravity, scientists have manufactured several cardiovascular elements.
According to the researchers, the tests were extremely successful, and they intend to move on to the next stage of the project. Of course, the ultimate goal is to develop commercial 3D printers for the production of organs for transplantation to patients both in space and on Earth. This will not only encourage the development of relevant research, but may also be extremely important in the long term for long-term space missions.
The data obtained during the experiments will be used to manufacture a more durable autonomous 3D bioprinter of a smaller size. It is expected that this device will be launched to the ISS aboard the commercial suborbital space capsule Blue Origin – possibly as early as January 2017. If everything goes according to plan, by 2018, a unique 3D printer capable of producing large and complex fabrics may appear on the ISS.
According to the researchers, the success of the project was ensured by the ability of the 3D printer to lay out bio-ink in a very thin layer, several times thinner than a human hair. During the tests, not only stem cells were used as a material, but also electrically conductive substances and dielectrics. This is also important for the manufacture of organs, since wires and biosensors can be embedded in the tissues produced in space.
Scientists note that 3D bioprinting in zero gravity can greatly facilitate the task, since on Earth it is necessary to use thick ink, which may contain chemicals and various substances to support the structure. On the other hand, in space, it is possible to use print heads of smaller diameter and more liquid biochernils, which contain only biological materials necessary for the manufacture of a particular organ.
3D bioprinting in zero gravity can change medicine. The team led by Techshot talks about large–scale plans - in particular, immediately after installing a 3D printer on the ISS, they would like to start creating heart implants. Perhaps 3D bioprinting of organs will become a reality much earlier than is commonly believed.
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27.06.2016