Brinter to send 3D-BioSystem Facility to the ISS

Brinter AM Technologies Oy has been selected as the bioprinter supplier for Redwire Space NV, which is spearheading a project to design, develop, and qualify the 3D-BioSystem Facility for research on the International Space Station (ISS). This project is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Exploration Programme, which is focused on fostering space exploration and delivering benefits to Earth through human spaceflight activities.

“Bioprinting technologies have great potential to support medical treatment in space and increase the crew’s autonomy on long-term missions. Astronauts could create tissue-like constructs to replace damaged parts of their bodies, such as treating skin burns or bone damage, or print personalized drugs that are ideally matched to the individual,” said Tomi Kalpio, CEO of Brinter AM Technologies Oy.

Commitment to bioprinting and space exploration

ESA is investigating the effects of microgravity on human tissue to develop solutions that will help keep astronauts healthy during long-term missions and improve life on Earth. Brinter AM Technologies will adapt its Brinter Core bioprinter to meet the high standards required for space technology and to generate in-orbit 3D bio samples. The bioprinter will be integrated into the 3D-BioSystem facility, which will operate in the Columbus module on the ISS, testing the effects of microgravity on 3D-printed cell constructs.

The 3D printing of cell constructs in space has the potential to become a crucial paradigm in supporting human space exploration missions. It can serve as a countermeasure to health emergencies and as a testbed for scientific research and development, including personalized drug development, toxicology testing, and the creation of human spare parts. Novel technologies are essential for long-term space exploration missions, where quick returns to Earth are impossible, to enable astronauts to treat severe health issues autonomously.

Advantages of bioprinting in microgravity

Space offers a unique environment for bioprinting 3D structures that can mature into tissues or larger organs. By combining cell or tissue-specific biomaterials with different cell types and high-resolution 3D bioprinting, scientists can develop and improve tissue and organ modeling techniques. This work will enhance understanding of the biophysical mechanisms of tissue generation, regeneration, and longevity.

“During human long-term deep space exploration missions, more needs to be done with less to make things work in the challenging space environment, so various technology elements get optimized and miniaturized,” continues Kalpio.

The microgravity environment aboard the ISS presents significant advantages for 3D bioprinting. In microgravity, cells can grow spatially unrestricted and assemble into complex 3D aggregates, unlike the 2D cultures typical on Earth. Furthermore, without gravity, there is no need for supporting structures during 3D printing, allowing for the creation of structures that don’t need to sustain their weight as they grow.

Unique opportunities and future developments

3D cultivation aboard the ISS of bioprinted cells, organoids, tissue explants, and cell matrices offers unique opportunities to assess the effects of microgravity, radiation, and other spaceflight factors on tissues such as bone, cartilage, epithelia-mesenchyme, and vascular networks, ultimately leading to the development of organs.

Microgravity-based 3D tissue models will be crucial for advancing bioengineering and biofabrication techniques necessary to create highly viable and functional tissues, such as vascularized and innervated structures. This will not only further optimize 3D bioprinting but also enhance cell and tissue engineering technologies.

“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, and our team is eagerly waiting to take the next step towards the moon,” adds Kalpio.