Redwire Corporation, a leading space infrastructure company, has successfully 3D printed a human knee meniscus aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Interesting Engineering reports.
This remarkable milestone advances the field of 3D bioprinting. It has significant implications for human health, particularly in treating meniscal injuries, which are known to be one of the most common injuries faced by US Service Members.
The Journey to Microgravity Bioprinting
The distance from Earth complicates healthcare delivery during long-term space missions, leading to a growing demand for space-based healthcare solutions.
While medicines from Earth can treat common illnesses, the challenge becomes more serious when dealing with injuries like bone fractures.
Using its upgraded 3D BioFabrication Facility (BFF) on the ISS, the company successfully 3D printed a human knee meniscus.
What sets this achievement apart is the fact that it was accomplished in microgravity, where the absence of Earth's gravity allows for the printing of complex tissues using a variety of human cells.
"This is a groundbreaking milestone with significant implications for human health," said John Vellinger, Redwire's Executive Vice President.
"Demonstrating the ability to successfully print complex tissue such as this meniscus is a major leap forward toward the development of a repeatable microgravity manufacturing process for reliable bioprinting at scale."
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The Journey Back to Earth
Following the successful 3D printing process in July, the printed meniscus made its journey back to Earth onboard the SpaceX Crew-6 Mission.
Before returning, it spent 14 days on the ISS, cultured in Redwire's Advanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP).
This thorough analysis back on Earth will provide valuable insights into the bio-printed tissue's quality and suitability for medical applications.
A Collaborative Effort for Human Health
The achievement was made possible through collaboration with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Center for Biotechnology (4D Bio3), a biomedical research center dedicated to exploring and adapting promising biotechnologies for the benefit of warfighters.
A team of accomplished astronauts, including NASA's Frank Rubio, Warren "Woody" Hoburg, Stephen Bowen, and UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, conducted the investigation.
Redwire's Expanding Portfolio in Space Technologies
Redwire's 3D bioprinting achievement is just one aspect of its growing portfolio of space technologies. They have established 20 research facilities on the ISS, with ten currently operational, focusing on advancing research in low-Earth orbit's unique microgravity environment.
Additionally, Redwire plans to open a 30,000-square-foot microgravity payload development facility in Indiana, USA. This facility, equipped with a mission operations center, aims to boost the production of key technologies for human spaceflight missions and commercial microgravity research in low-Earth orbit.
The Future of Space-Based Biotechnology
Looking ahead, Redwire is gearing up for the SpaceX CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS scheduled for November.
During this mission, the company will launch microgravity research payloads focused on pharmaceutical drug development and regenerative medicine.
Notably, this effort will include an experiment involving the bioprinting of cardiac tissue, underlining Redwire's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space-based biotechnology.
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