Finnish bioprinter could soon generate body parts in space

Funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and led by Redwire Space IV, the project seeks to design, develop and qualify the research capabilities of the 3D biosystem onboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Brinter AM Technologies said its will supply the project an adaptation of its existing bioprinter that is capable of generating three-dimensional biological samples in orbit and, as a result, enables tests on how microgravity effects cell constructs.

The 3D printing of cell constructs in space is considered key for supporting space exploration missions, not only as a countermeasure to health emergencies but also as a means to conduct toxicity, personalised drug and human spare parts tests. Such capability is critical particularly on long-term and long-distance missions as it enables astronauts to treat even severe health issues independently.

“Astronauts could create tissue-like constructs to replace damaged parts of their bodies, for example, to treat skin burns or bone damages, or print personalised drugs that ideally matched […] the person,” Tomi Kalpio, CEO of Brinter AM Technologies, envisioned.

The project also enables scientists to investigate the compound effects of microgravity, radiation and other spaceflight conditions on various tissues, thus promoting the development and improvement of tissue and organ-modelling techniques, and augmenting understanding of the biophysical mechanisms of tissue generation, regeneration and longevity.

The ISS offers a tantalising environment for 3D bioprinting.

Unlike on Earth, where cells grow in two-dimensional monolayer cultures, cells exposed to microgravity exhibit spatially unrestricted growth and assemble into complex three-dimensional aggregates. The microgravity environment also eliminates the need for support as the printed structures do not have to sustain their weight as they grow.

“This project has a lot of synergy with the research and development work we have done in the last five years related to our mesh biomods,” said Kalpio.