![]() This step-by-step method helped the team improve their control over the printing process.įast-forwarding to July, Redwire took a giant leap by initiating operations for the BFF-Meniscus-2 investigation, as it would be the first time a full human knee meniscus was bioprinted in space. ![]() The upgraded BFF used in the current mission benefited from improved temperature control and imaging systems. Redwire’s BFF had previously printed cardiac tissue and a meniscus-shaped scaffold that did not include living cells in 2019. This recent endeavor also built on prior successes. “So right when you print it, you’re already closer to human tissue than you would be if you started out trying to print a heart,” he added. The meniscus is “avascular,” lacking in blood vessels, which tends to be a limiting factor in large-scale 3D printing. This is where 4D Bio3’s expertise in exploring promising biotechnologies became a crucial asset.Īccording to Boling, the decision to print meniscus as the facility’s inaugural project was strategic. Thanks to microgravity, there was an unparalleled opportunity for bioprinting tasks that would be nearly impossible to perform under Earth’s gravitational pull. Redwire’s upgraded BFF was launched to the ISS in November of 2022. “The BFF is a game-changing technology that could have significant implications for the future of human health and patient care on Earth,” said Rich Boling, Redwire Vice President. The quest for a better solution to this widespread issue led Redwire to the ISS. The knee meniscus, a critical component of one of the body’s most complex joints, is frequently subjected to tears, requiring medical interventions that can increase the risk of arthritis or knee replacement. In May, Redwire and the ISS National Laboratory set the stage for what would come. Here’s how the journey unfolded, highlighting key milestones and 4D Bio3’s integral role in shaping the future of in-space biotechnology. It began with research and development to explore the potential of microgravity environments for bioprinting. This pioneering effort has a rich backstory. Redwire’s upgraded BioFabrication Facility (BFF) was installed in the ISS. Prepared for its journey back to Earth, the meniscus was stored securely onboard the SpaceX Crew-6 mission, which splashed down off the coast of Florida on September 4, 2023. The ADSEP’s advanced features allow for precisely regulating factors like temperature, humidity, and nutrient supply over 14 days.įollowing this two-week cultivation, the tissue solidified and matured, evolving from a mere scaffold to a functional bioengineered tissue. There, the tissue was cultured in a tightly controlled environment that simulated the necessary conditions for cellular growth. After the successful initial bioprinting, the newly formed meniscus was immediately transferred to Redwire’s Advanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP). The 3D bioprinter meticulously layered these cells to form the intricate tissue structure of the meniscus. Operating in the microgravity conditions of the ISS, the BFF used a bioink made up of living human cells. The investigation aims to explore and adapt groundbreaking biotechnologies for potential benefits to US military service members and humanity. Notably, the print was part of the BFF-Meniscus-2 Investigation with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Center for Biotechnology (4D Bio3). Using its upgraded BioFabrication Facility (BFF), Redwire successfully created complex tissue structures in microgravity. In a major stride for space exploration and biotechnology, Redwire (NYSE: RDW) has successfully 3D bioprinted the first human knee meniscus onboard the International Space Station (ISS).
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